With his contract with Flamengo in its final stages, Everton Cebolinha has his next step clearly defined: the forward prioritizes a return to European football, placing markets like Brazil and Saudi Arabia on the back burner.
Everton Cebolinha’s tenure at Flamengo is heading towards its end, with the player experiencing his final months under contract, which expires at the end of 2026 and will not be renewed by the Rubro-Negro board. Amidst growing speculation about his future, the forward has already determined his ideal scenario for continuing his professional career.
According to information released by ‘ESPN’, Cebolinha’s preference is clear: a return to the European football scene. This inclination reflects a desire for a new challenge in the continent where he previously played for Benfica between 2020 and 2022, placing other options such as the Brazilian and Saudi Arabian markets in second place.
Seeking a Return to the Old Continent
Everton Cebolinha’s desire to return to Europe is not new, given his previous experience in Portugal. This preference takes precedence over potential offers from Brazilian clubs or the Middle East, which traditionally attract players seeking a change of scenery. The player’s focus is on re-entering a highly competitive European landscape.
Recently, the forward was involved in talks for a possible transfer to Krasnodar, Russia.
However, this negotiation did not advance and was officially concluded after the Russian club’s board opted not to proceed with signing Flamengo’s number 11, keeping him on the transfer market radar for other opportunities.
Career and Performance at Ninho do Urubu
Cebolinha arrived at Flamengo in June 2022, in a deal that cost Benfica approximately 14 million euros (equivalent to R$ 88 million at the time’s exchange rate).
Since his arrival, the player has accumulated 191 games, scoring 21 goals and providing 25 assists. His time at the club was marked by important achievements, totaling nine titles with the Rubro-Negro jersey.
Among the trophies lifted are two Libertadores (2022 and 2025), two Copa do Brasil (2022 and 2024), one Brasileirão (2025), one Supercopa do Brasil (2025), and three Campeonatos Carioca (2023, 2024, and 2025).
This indicates a successful period, even though his individual performance has been frequently debated.
PLAYER’S ABSENCE AND ASSESSMENT
Currently, Everton Cebolinha has not been utilized by coach Leonardo Jardim. His last recorded appearance on the field was over a month ago, in the 1-1 draw against São Paulo, in the 20th round of the Brasileirão, on July 26.
Since then, Flamengo has played six matches in 2026, in both the national championship and the Libertadores, without the forward’s presence.
The M360 Team assessed:
Everton Cebolinha did not live up to the expectations generated by his signing in 2022. Despite having a good period under Tite in 2024, the forward fell far short of the level shown at Grêmio, the peak of the player’s career. Therefore, selling the winger is beneficial for Flamengo, as it will free up space on the payroll for a new signing.
With the contract not being renewed and his desire to play in Europe, Everton Cebolinha’s departure from Flamengo seems increasingly imminent. The search for a new club in the Old Continent becomes the priority for the forward, who will attempt to rediscover his best form in a new international challenge.
For Flamengo, the negotiation represents an opportunity for squad restructuring and relief on the wage bill.
