In the final sprint of South America’s summer transfer window, Flamengo have dropped a bombshell—they are set to sign PAOK Thessaloniki defender Lino for a total of €25 million. The deal, pending only a medical, is poised to be the most eye-catching defensive signing in Brazil’s Serie A this summer.
Lino’s quality is already proven in European football. The 27-year-old defender made 35 appearances for PAOK last season, posting 2.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game to help his team top the Greek Super League. His composure against top sides in European competitions further elevated his reputation. For Flamengo, aiming to challenge for both the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores titles, his arrival fills a critical defensive gap—after missing out on silverware last season due to defensive lapses, they’ve finally landed a "rock" to steady the backline.
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Negotiations were notably efficient. PAOK initially set a high price for their key defender, but Flamengo’s €25 million offer—paired with a lucrative contract for Lino—quickly broke their resistance. For the player, the move from Greece to a South American giant is both a challenge and an opportunity: behind Flamengo’s red-and-black jersey lies Brazil’s most passionate fanbase and urgent title ambitions, with a chance to rise from "European solid performer" to a standout in South American football.
Fans are already anticipating Lino’s Flamengo debut. Can the defender, who once held his own against Europe’s best, adapt to the pace of the Brasileirão? And how much will his integration strengthen Flamengo’s title hopes? The answers may come sooner than expected.
