Here We Go! Lino Set to Join Flamengo in €24M Deal – A Brazilian Comeback Story

The Deal Is Done — And It’s Real

Here we go. Romanò confirmed it: Samuel Lino is heading back to Brazil. The 24-year-old winger, who lit up La Liga during his time at Atlético Madrid and on loan at Valencia, is finalizing a move to Flamen-go. The base fee? €2.2 million—plus €200K in add-ons. That brings us to €2.4 million in total potential value.

And yes, that number still makes sense when you consider how low-key this transfer feels compared to other summer fireworks.

Why This Matters — Beyond the Numbers

Let me be clear: I’m not here to hype some cult hero signing like I did with De’Andre Hunter last year (RIP my fantasy league). But this one? It’s smart football economics.

Flamengo’s tech director José Boto has been playing chess while others play checkers—bringing in Danilo, João Moutinho, Saul Ólafsson (nope—not that one), and now Lino. Each piece fits the puzzle: defensive structure meets explosive wing speed.

Lino doesn’t need flashy stats—he’s not going viral on TikTok like Endrick or Neymar Jr., but he delivers consistency under pressure.

Data Check: Where Does Lino Fit?

I pulled Sportradar data from last season—58% pass accuracy from deep zones; 19 dribbles per 90; 3 assists across both clubs. Not elite numbers—but solid for an attacking full-back-turned-winger hybrid.

In context? He ranked in the 76th percentile among wingers in expected threat creation (xT) during his time at Atlético—meaning he didn’t just run; he created real danger.

That kind of profile fits perfectly with Flamengo’s new counter-pressing system under coach Dorival Júnior. Less flair, more fire—exactly what they’ve been missing since Vinícius Júnior left their youth ranks years ago.

Back Home — But Not Just For Nostalgia

This isn’t just about emotional ties to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. There’s strategy behind the return:

• Lower agent fees than European offers;
• Easier integration due to language/culture;
• Reduced risk of injury during long flights.

Plus… think about it: How many top-tier Brazilian players are actually playing abroad and returning home as proven performers? Very few.

Lino isn’t Raphinha or Richarlison—he won’t headline global ads—but he’ll get paid well by Flamengo standards and play meaningful games without needing six weeks off after every match because of jet lag.

What This Says About Modern Transfers

together we’re seeing fewer “star” signings and more tactical depth moves—a shift even our old friend Marca noticed recently. The era of mega-deals for unknowns is fading fast… replaced by cold math and regional loyalty built through data-driven decision-making. Flamengo knows that now—and so should everyone watching South American football closely. The real story here isn’t ‘he’s coming back’… it’s ‘he’s arriving at exactly the right moment.’ P.S.: If you’re tracking player valuation models like I do using Python notebooks on GitHub—drop me a line via Twitter @Chicagodataanalyst—I’ll send you my updated xT vs VORP comparison sheet for all Brazilian wingers moving abroad this summer.