Flamengo President Rules Out Vinicius Junior Return | Transfer News
Flamengo president Baptista has dismissed the possibility of a near-future return for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, citing differing life stages and financial realities. The comments came as the club celebrated the re-signing of Lucas Paquetá from West Ham United, sparking renewed speculation about a potential homecoming for another Flamengo academy graduate.
Baptista acknowledged the close relationship between Paquetá and Vinicius, both products of Flamengo’s youth system who played together briefly in 2016 and 2017. “They have a very solid personal relationship,” Baptista told AS. “They’re friends; they’re both players who came from Flamengo, met here, and even share an agency, Roc Nation Sports Brasil.”
However, Baptista emphasized significant differences in the players’ current circumstances. He pointed to Paquetá’s established family life as a factor in his decision to return to Brazil, contrasting it with Vinicius’s current situation. “There’s a sizeable difference between where Lucas Paquetá is at this stage of his life and where Vinicius Junior is at this stage,” Baptista stated. “Paqueta has someone waiting for him at home every day; he has a family. Vini doesn’t have anyone waiting for him at home. They’re different situations.”
The Flamengo president too addressed the financial implications of potentially pursuing Vinicius, who currently plays for Real Madrid. He indicated that any transfer involving Vinicius would command a significantly higher salary than the deal secured for Paquetá. “I’m sure that if there were a transfer involving Vinicius Junior, it would be a transfer with a salary, today, for values much higher than what we’re considering for Paquetá. That possibility doesn’t exist. Not yet. Flamengo can’t do it yet.”
The discussion follows a period of heightened speculation regarding Vinicius’s future, fueled in part by Paquetá’s return to the club. ESPN Brasil reported on January 20, 2026, that Vinicius himself had been inquiring about Paquetá’s move, expressing his affection for Flamengo. However, reports from Sapo.pt on February 5, 2026, suggest Vinicius is currently focused on a potential transfer within Europe, rather than a return to Brazil.
The re-acquisition of Paquetá, previously with West Ham and trained by Nuno Espírito Santo, was a key objective for Flamengo in the January transfer window, as noted by Sapo.pt. The move prompted director José Boto to playfully suggest the possibility of Vinicius also returning, a comment that ignited fan excitement, according to TNH1.com.br. Despite this, Baptista’s comments indicate that a move for Vinicius is not currently feasible for the club.