Flamengo, who have suffered the €3 million loss of Willians to Udinese in the past week, have moved quickly to strengthen the midfield following a disappointing state championships.
Amaral, 24, comes in as a direct replacement for Willians, whilst Jorge Luiz, also 24, will be expected to provide back-up for attacking-midfielders Ronaldinho, Botinelli and the incoming Ibson.
Both players arrive on loan with an option-to-buy, with Amaral having worked under new Rubro-Negro director of football Zinho at Nova Iguaçu. Jorge Luiz, for his part, is a former-Flamengo academy player, who departed aged 16.
“Williams is a player who has already made history here and I’m just arriving now,” said Amaral on arrival, quick to play down the comparison. “I have to do much yet.”
Jorge Luiz then introduced the Flamengo fans: “I’m back to where I should have never left. I was not strong enough. I was very short and skinny. Now, I’ve grown a bit and I’m back.
“I am a player who likes to shoot and has a good pass. I play like Zico, whose videos my father showed me.”
