Rubro-Negro signals 195 million reais offer, but Raposa stipulates astronomical value to release Brasileirão’s top scorer
The football market heated up once and for all this Sunday (28) with a bold move involving two giants of Brazilian football. Flamengo showed official interest in signing Kaio Jorge, big moment of the season and top scorer in the Brazilian Championship and the Copa do Brasil in 2025. Cruzeiro, however, acted quickly to protect its main asset: the Celeste board set the value of 50 million euros (around 326 million reais at current prices) to start any conversation, making Rio’s plans difficult.
The first red-black approach came up against the rigidity of Minas Gerais. Flamengo have signaled their intention to offer 30 million euros (R$195.8 million) for the striker. Although a high fee by national standards, the amount is identical to what Zenit of Russia offered mid-year and which Cruzeiro immediately refused. For Raposa, strengthening a direct rival in the fight for titles requires “off-curve” financial compensation, well above the traditional market value.
New Cruzeiro coach asked Kaio Jorge to stay
In addition to the financial question, there is sports planning. Kaio Jorge’s stay was one of Tite’s first and most insistent requests when he took technical command of Cruzeiro. The coach considers the number 9 as an irreplaceable piece for 2026. The player has a contract valid until mid-2029 and is protected by a dismissal fine that exceeds R$650 million (100 million euros), which comforts the Minas Gerais club at the negotiating table.
Kaio Jorge’s appreciation is dazzling. Recruited by Juventus for around 40 million reais in 2024, the striker experienced his technical peak in 2025, adding 26 goals and nine assists in 46 matches. The performance also attracted the attention of Europe. Specifically, West Ham of England, who also recently saw a loan proposal with obligation to buy rejected. It is now Flamengo who have kept the athlete on their radar since the start of the year.
Although Cruzeiro does not consider any player non-negotiable, the current position is one of resistance. Management understands that there is no rush to sell, especially if the destination is Gávea. On the athletes’ side, Kaio Jorge expressed his desire to participate in the next Libertadores, but never closed the doors to advantageous proposals. For now, the R$130 million gap between what Fla wants to pay and what Cruzeiro wants to receive maintains Belo Horizonte’s top scorer.
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