Striker Kaio Jorge revealed behind-the-scenes details of Flamengo‘s pursuit, explained the board’s influence in negotiations, and reaffirmed his commitment to Cruzeiro.
Movements in the transfer market often reveal surprising behind-the-scenes details involving major Brazilian soccer clubs.
Recently, center forward Kaio Jorge, who currently plays for Cruzeiro, opened up about the strong interest he received from the Rio-based team late last year and early this year, detailing how the Minas Gerais club’s board handled the situation to protect the squad.
During a casual conversation with digital influencer Juninho Manella, the player confirmed the rumors that had been circulating on social media.
Asked about the possibility of wearing the red-and-black jersey and how personal desire factors into a multi-million dollar transfer, the striker was straightforward, emphasizing that a player’s wishes must align with the financial and sporting interests of the club holding his economic rights.
Behind the scenes of the Rio club’s pursuit
In the first months of the year, the Rio de Janeiro club tried to sign the center forward with major offers.
Initially, Flamengo’s board put a fixed amount of 30 million euros on the table.
Later, they put together a new package that included lower figures alongside player swaps and percentages of a future resale, all of which were promptly rejected by the Minas Gerais executives.
The firm stance taken by the Cruzeiro SAF has a clear explanation.
Businessman Pedro Lourenço, the main shareholder of the Minas Gerais club, set a price tag of 50 million euros to begin any talks regarding the release of his top attacking asset.
The executive also publicly revealed that Kaio Jorge himself was initially torn over the proposal, leading to lengthy meetings at the executive’s residence to align the young striker’s future.
Kaio Jorge stated:
We always express what we want, but the club makes the decision. It has to combine business with pleasure; it has to be a good offer for the club…
The striker pointed this out during the interview while commenting on the criteria that prevented negotiations with the Rio side from moving forward.
Renewal and future on the horizon
As an outcome of this transfer saga, the resolution ended up being positive for Cruzeiro fans.
In mid-January, the Minas Gerais club’s leadership secured a contract extension for the center forward through the end of 2030, accompanied by a significant pay raise.
Additionally, the player made no secret of his affection for Santos, the club where he began his professional career in 2018 before moving to Italy’s Juventus, leaving open the possibility of a future return to his roots.
While Flamengo remains focused on the decisive stages of continental tournaments — after overcoming the Minas Gerais side in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores backed by key performances and goals from stars like Arrascaeta —, the number nine remains focused on fulfilling his long-term contract at Toca da Raposa.
Any future attempt by domestic rivals will strictly depend on astronomical figures that fully satisfy the Minas Gerais club’s coffers.
