Rio de Janeiro / London – June 8, 2025 – Italy international midfielder Jorginho has officially departed Arsenal by mutual consent and signed with Brazilian giants Flamengo, just in time for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States .The 33‑year‑old, born in Brazil but capped 57 times for Italy, has signed a deal through July 2028, marking a full-circle return to his homeland
Contract Terminated Early: A Win-Win for All
Originally bound to run until late June, Jorginho’s Arsenal contract was mutually terminated early, enabling him to become a free agent and join Flamengo immediately. Arsenal released a formal statement highlighting his leadership, intelligence, passing range, and midfield control, thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well in Brazil
The move aligns neatly with FIFA’s regulations for the new 32-team Club World Cup (June 14–July 13), allowing Jorginho to be registered for the tournament—something he couldn’t do under his existing Arsenal deal.
Flamengo’s Strategic Coup Ahead of World Tournament
Flamengo, under former Chelsea full-back Filipe Luís, wasted no time: they secured Jorginho on a three-year commitment and will field him in their opener against ES Tunis on June 16 in Philadelphia. They’ll then face Chelsea on June 20—a dramatic reunion for Jorginho—with a subsequent match versus LAFC in Orlando on June 24.
This signing is a major boost to Flamengo’s midfield, offering control and experience in high-pressure scenarios, and is emblematic of a smart transfer strategy as they prepare for a possible run deep into this tournament.
Jorginho’s Trophy-Laden Journey Continues
Jorginho’s pedigree is profuse. After starting at Hellas Verona and becoming a midfield pivot at Napoli under Maurizio Sarri, he moved to Chelsea in 2018, where he won:
- Champions League
- Europa League
- UEFA Super Cup
- Club World Cup
He was also part of Italy’s victorious Euro 2020 side and earned prestigious individual nods like third in Ballon d’Or 2021 and UEFA Player of the Year
Joining Flamengo adds depth to a superb résumé, stitching in Brazilian domestic success and potentially another Club World Cup with a team abroad.
A Return Home with a Purpose
Born in Imbituba, Brazil, Jorginho returns after 15 professional years overseas. This reunion is symbolic—for the Maracanã stage and Flamengo’s tactical balance. Manager Filipe Luís, another Chelsea veteran, plans to lean on Jorginho’s composure against pressing opponents .
Arsenal’s Offseason Reset: Beyond the Departure
Arsenal’s move to release Jorginho early signals a decisive offseason approach. The Gunners are targeting younger, dynamic midfield options like Morgan Rogers and Leroy Rodrigo, while assessing possible exits for Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli, and others .
This transition reflects a calculated shift—clearing veteran wages to refresh the squad and tailor it for Ruben Amorim’s ambitious rebuild.
Timeline & Club World Cup Stakes
- June 6: Arsenal confirms mutual contract termination
- June 14–July 13: Expanded Club World Cup in the US with $1 billion prize money
- June 20: Flamengo vs. Chelsea (Philadelphia)
- June 24: Flamengo vs. LAFC (Orlando)
For Jorginho, this window represents both opportunity and settling in—physically, mentally, and tactically.
Final Take: Ambition Meets Opportunity
In shifting from Arsenal to Flamengo, Jorginho stakes a dual claim: playing at the prestigious expanded World Cup, and bringing veteran leadership to Brazil’s biggest club. His departure aligns with Arsenal’s need to rejuvenate, unlocking both squad clarity and budget for fresh signings.
For Flamengo, his acquisition symbolizes Copa-style intent—a midfield maestro with European honors ready to ignite their Club World Cup debut. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Jorginho’s performance—and whether he can guide Flamengo to a historic global title.
