In what can only be described as the shock move of the summer transfer window, Mikey Johnston is set to sign for Brazilian giants Flamengo.
According to the Express & Star, the 26-year-old will join the Brasileiro Série A side in a deal worth around £5 million – a move that has been described as life-changing for the winger.
Johnston has said his goodbyes to his club teammates and is set to fly to Rio to complete a historic move for an Irishman. Johnston, who has been capped 15 times for Ireland, scoring twice, will become the first Irish international to play in Brazil.
Flamengo are the most successful club in Brazil, having won the league seven times and collected more trophies than any other Brazilian side this century. They have also been crowned Copa Libertadores champions on three occasions and are a powerhouse off the pitch as well. Flamengo are the most-supported club in the country and boast the largest online following of any football team outside Europe.
The Brazilian side also competed in the 2025 Club World Cup, reaching the Round of 16 before losing to Bayern Munich. Flamengo topped their group ahead of Chelsea, highlighting the strength of the Brazilian league.
It was a somewhat underwhelming 2024/25 season for Johnston after lighting up the Championship during his loan spell at West Brom. The Glaswegian scored just three times in 41 appearances and registered five assists. He’ll hope the move to South America helps him rediscover his best form and become a key figure in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans.