The story behind Samuel Lino‘s departure from Flamengo in his youth is revealed, detailing the competition in the academy and the winger’s subsequent multimillion-dollar repatriation.
Samuel Lino‘s recent signing by Flamengo, a deal worth approximately 22 million euros (equivalent to R$ 143 to R$ 144 million), has brought to light an interesting detail about the player’s past.
Before becoming an elite athlete in European soccer and being brought back by the Rio de Janeiro club in 2025, Lino had already had a stint in the Rubro-Negro’s youth categories.
What many didn’t know is that the winger, now a standout in the first team, left Flamengo at a young age due to intense competition.
This narrative was detailed by Maurício Souza, the coach who led the club to win the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (Junior Football Championship), who recalled the specifics of that time in an interview.
Competition in Flamengo’s Youth Ranks
Maurício Souza, who is currently unattached, shared insights into Samuel Lino‘s time in Flamengo‘s youth system when the player was 18 years old.
The coach highlighted that although Lino was a promising player, coming from futsal and possessing great tactical intelligence, the competition for a spot in the U-20 team was fierce.
In his own words, during an appearance on Charla Podcast, Souza stated:
Samuel Lino was also at Flamengo at 18 in the youth academy. He was part of the team that won the Copa São Paulo with us. He was another player who came from futsal. A very good winger, an intelligent player, but there was significant competition. He came on loan, his contract was ending, and Flamengo did not exercise the purchase option at the time.
Decision Not to Exercise the Purchase Option
Samuel Lino‘s contractual situation at the time was a loan, and Flamengo opted not to exercise the purchase clause at the end of the agreement.
This decision, according to Maurício Souza, was pivotal for the player’s return to São Bernardo, his original club.
From that point on, Lino‘s career took an international turn, with significant spells at clubs in Portugal and with the Spanish giant Atlético de Madrid.
Samuel Lino‘s performance in Europe transformed him into a sought-after player, leading Flamengo to make a substantial investment to bring him back.
Currently, the forward is a fundamental part of the team’s tactical setup, contributing nine goals and ten assists in 40 matches this season, justifying the high investment for his return to Mais Querido (Most Beloved, a nickname for Flamengo).
Samuel Lino‘s journey serves as an example of how dynamic soccer is. Leaving the club during a period of intense competition, the player honed his talent abroad and returned as a prominent figure.
His current performance, with impressive statistics, reinforces the board’s wise decision in his repatriation, solidifying him as one of the pillars of the Rubro-Negro squad for future competitions.
By M360 Team
