Saúl Ñíguez Set to Join Flamengo on Three-and-a-Half Year Deal

Spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez is moving to Rio de Janeiro. He has agreed to terms with Flamengo. The veteran is leaving Europe to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Brazilian team, adding significant strength to Flamengo’s squad for the 2025 season’s second half.

TRANSFER SEALED: SAÚL CHOOSES FLAMENGO

Flamengo has secured Saúl Ñíguez‘s signature. He arrives after ending his contract with Atlético Madrid and a loan spell at Sevilla. The 30-year-old midfielder rejected a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, which was confirmed as his transfer was canceled due to family reasons. He agreed to their contract terms and passed medicals but ultimately chose Flamengo’s ambitious project instead. The deal involves only signing bonuses and will be finalized when Saúl arrives in Rio this week. Saúl, with over 400 appearances for Atlético, was convinced by director José Boto and is set to reunite with Flamengo coach Filipe Luís, his former teammate in Spain.

SAÚL BRINGS EXPERIENCE TO A REBUILDING FLAMENGO

Flamengo is actively strengthening its squad in the 2025 mid-season transfer window. The club wants to reinforce after losing several key players. They have already added Brazilian midfielder Jorginho and are negotiating with Colombian Jorge Carrascal. Saúl’s arrival is seen as important due to his experience, including La Liga and Europa League titles. Flamengo is currently third in the Brasileirão Série A, four points behind leaders Palmeiras and just one ahead of fourth-placed Grêmio. The team is pushing to stay competitive in both the domestic league and the Copa Libertadores knockout stages, where squad depth and experience are needed.

DEBUT IN BRAZIL EXPECTED SOON

Saúl is expected to debut in the coming weeks if his documents are completed quickly. Flamengo faces Cuiabá next in the league, and this is a must-win fixture with championship rivals close in the standings. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid, Saúl’s former club, is adjusting after his departure. They aim to recover from a disappointing season, finishing fifth in La Liga last season. Adding such an experienced and versatile midfielder is hoped to boost the team as Flamengo chases trophies in the year’s second half.