Brighton and Hove Albion target Ryan Roberto is now right in the middle of a growing contract and transfer mess at Flamengo.
The Seagulls had already been linked with the 18-year-old earlier this year. RTI Esporte reported in March that Brighton scouts were in Ecuador watching him at the Copa Libertadores U20.
At that stage, there was no official move. Still, it was clear the winger was firmly on Brighton’s radar. Now, things have escalated quickly.
Flamengo increase their stake
The same outlet now report Flamengo have bought another 20% of Ryan Roberto’s economic rights from Athletico Paranaense.
The deal cost €270k (£230k) and takes Flamengo’s share up to 70%, with Athletico holding the remaining 30%.
Flamengo are trying to protect their position before a possible exit becomes unavoidable. For now, the player’s contract runs until March 2027, but renewal talks are far from smooth.
Ryan Roberto’s camp are resisting a new deal. They are fully aware of the growing interest from Europe.
RTI Esporte say clubs from Germany, Spain, France, England, Italy and Portugal have all been watching the situation. But Shakhtar Donetsk have now taken things a step further.
Contract stand-off and Shakhtar bid
Brazilian journalist Venê Casagrande reports Ryan Roberto will not play for Flamengo again until his contract situation is sorted. He says the club have already been told by the player’s family that he will not renew.
Playing time seems to be a key issue. Flamengo offered what is described as a “professional squad standard” salary and a deal running until 2030.
However, they could not guarantee first-team minutes under manager Leonardo Jardim.
Casagrande adds that Ryan Roberto’s mother made the family’s position clear. From their side, the decision is already taken. So Shakhtar Donetsk have stepped in with what is seen as a better project.
Globo Esporte then added the next big development. They report Flamengo are now negotiating a sale to Shakhtar. The Ukrainian side have submitted an official €8m (£6.9m) offer.
That bid is for 80% of the player’s rights. Flamengo would sell 50%, receive around €5.1m (£4.4m), and still keep 20%. Ryan Roberto and his camp are said to be open to the move.
Why Brighton should keep watching
Ryan Roberto has been part of the club’s youth setup since 2025. This year only he has 5 goals and 1 assist in 10 matches for Flamengo’s U20s. He also featured twice for the senior side.
On top of that, he was in the squad that won the U20 Intercontinental Cup in 2025. He also picked up the Campeonato Carioca U17 in 2024 and the Copa Rio in 2024 and 2025. Last year, he had 20 goal contributions in 29 matches.
His current release clause stands at around €50m (£43m) for foreign clubs. Of course Flamengo would like to renew and push that figure even higher. But right now, though, their leverage is slipping.
From October, Ryan Roberto can sign a pre-contract and leave for free in 2027.
That is where Brighton come back into the picture. They were tracking a Flamengo talent with a high clause and shared ownership. Now they are tracking a player who could hit the market much sooner.
Shakhtar are clearly in front for now. They have made the offer and appear to have convinced the player’s camp. Even so, situations like this rarely stay still for long. If Flamengo decide a sale is the only way forward, other clubs could quickly get involved.
For Brighton, it becomes a question of timing. Do they move into a complicated situation now, or keep watching and wait for the next opening?
