Jorginho Set to Join Flamengo on Free Transfer: Three-Year Deal Agreed

In a move that has been brewing since January, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is poised to return to his native Brazil, with Brazilian journalist Vene Casagrande confirming that the 33-year-old Italian international has verbally agreed to join Flamengo on a free transfer. The deal, set to be finalized in June 2025 when Jorginho’s contract with Arsenal expires, will see the experienced midfielder sign a three-year contract with the Brazilian giants, keeping him at the club until 2028. With the transfer all but sealed, Flamengo fans are buzzing with excitement as they prepare to welcome a player of Jorginho’s caliber for their ambitious 2025 campaign, including the FIFA Club World Cup.

A Long-Planned Move

The transfer has been in the works for months, with negotiations between Jorginho’s representatives and Flamengo gaining traction as early as January 2025. Arsenal, however, blocked any mid-season move, opting to retain the midfielder for the second half of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Despite interest from clubs such as Besiktas, Fiorentina, and Brazilian rivals Palmeiras, Jorginho has chosen Flamengo, marking his first professional stint in Brazil after a career spent in Europe.

According to Casagrande, Jorginho has given his full commitment to the move, with a pre-contract agreement expected to be formalized imminently. The deal aligns perfectly with Flamengo’s preparations for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in June. To ensure Jorginho’s availability for the tournament, discussions have reportedly included the possibility of an early contract termination with Arsenal, allowing the midfielder to join Flamengo ahead of schedule.

Jorginho’s Arsenal Journey

Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023 for £12 million, bringing his wealth of experience and composure to Mikel Arteta’s midfield. The Italian, known for his metronomic passing and ability to dictate tempo, played a key role in Arsenal’s 2022/23 Premier League title challenge, making 16 appearances in his first half-season. Over the next two years, he remained a reliable squad player, often stepping in during crucial moments, including Arsenal’s run to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals in 2023/24.

However, the 2024/25 season has seen Jorginho’s playing time diminish significantly, with the midfielder logging fewer than 500 Premier League minutes. With younger options like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard anchoring Arsenal’s midfield, and the club in advanced talks to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a long-term replacement, Jorginho’s departure has been on the horizon. His final months at Arsenal will serve as a farewell to a player who, while not always a starter, brought leadership and tactical nous to the squad.

Flamengo’s Ambitious Vision

For Flamengo, signing Jorginho is a statement of intent. The Rio de Janeiro-based club, one of Brazil’s most successful and popular teams, is gearing up for a historic 2025, with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup offering a chance to compete on the global stage. Jorginho’s arrival will bolster a midfield that already includes talents like Gerson and Everton Ribeiro, providing the experience and composure needed for high-stakes matches.

Jorginho’s career credentials speak for themselves. A UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, a UEFA Euro 2020 champion with Italy, and a veteran of over 500 club appearances across Napoli, Chelsea, and Arsenal, he brings a winning mentality to Flamengo. His ability to control games from deep-lying positions will complement Flamengo’s attacking flair, making him a perfect fit for coach Tite’s system.

The fact that Jorginho, born in Imbituba, Brazil, has never played professionally in his home country adds an emotional layer to the transfer. Having moved to Italy at 15 to pursue his career, Jorginho’s return to Brazil represents a homecoming, and Flamengo fans are eager to see him don the iconic red-and-black kit.

What’s Next?

With the verbal agreement in place, the focus now shifts to finalizing the paperwork. Flamengo are expected to announce the pre-contract signing soon, with Jorginho set to join the club officially in June 2025 unless an early release from Arsenal is negotiated. The midfielder’s experience will be invaluable as Flamengo aim to dominate domestically in the Brasileirão and make a mark in the Club World Cup.

For Arsenal, Jorginho’s departure marks the end of an era, but the club is well-prepared. The pursuit of Zubimendi, a 24-year-old Spanish international, signals Arteta’s intent to build a younger, dynamic midfield for the future. Jorginho, meanwhile, will leave behind a legacy of professionalism and clutch performances, with Arsenal fans likely to wish him well in his new adventure.

A New Chapter Begins

As the “Here We Go” call from transfer insiders echoes, Jorginho’s move to Flamengo is a testament to his enduring quality and appeal. At 33, he remains a sought-after talent, and his decision to join Flamengo over European and other Brazilian suitors underscores the club’s growing stature. For Jorginho, this transfer is more than a career move—it’s a chance to connect with his roots and leave a lasting legacy in Brazilian football.

Flamengo supporters are already dreaming of Jorginho pulling the strings in midfield at the Maracanã, and with the Club World Cup on the horizon, the stage is set for the Italian-Brazilian maestro to shine. As the deal nears completion, one thing is clear: Jorginho’s next chapter promises to be as captivating as the ones that came before.