Negotiations between Flamengo and Palmeiras could bring Tite and Dudu together again

Last Sunday (07), the excitement among Flamengo and Palmeiras fans began with the possible exchange between Gabigol and Dudu. If this negotiation is completed, the Alviverde striker will have the opportunity to work again with coach Tite, with whom he had some disagreements during his time with the Brazilian national team.

Frustrations

In 2015, Dudu began to stand out at Palmeiras. In 2017, he was called up twice by Tite for the Brazilian National Team. His debut was marked by a decisive goal in a friendly against Colombia, in support of the families of Chapecoense. Dudu played a crucial role in this match, scoring the winning goal in his debut for the National Team. Two months later, Dudu was called up to replace Douglas Costa due to injury, Dudu was on the bench in the games against Uruguay and Paraguay in the 2018 qualifiers. Despite being named the best player of the 2018 Brasileirão, he was never called up again by Tite.

_{Dudu scored the winning goal for Brazil against Colombia in a friendly in January this year in Rio de Janeiro (Photo: reproduction/André Durão/ge)}

When Tite began his second stint in charge of the 2022 World Cup squad, Dudu was expected to be called up for the 2019 friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic, especially after Vinicius Junior's injury. However, Tite opted to call up David Neres, frustrating Dudu. In an interview with Esporte Interativo in early 2020, Dudu expressed frustration with Tite for not being called up to the Brazilian national team. He mentioned that, despite being a standout player for Palmeiras since 2015 and having good statistical performances, as the top scorer and leader in assists, he often saw other players being called up after short periods of prominence.

Missed Opportunities

In an interview with Band in August 2022, Tite acknowledged possible mistakes in not giving Dudu more opportunities in the Brazilian National Team during the process for the 2018 World Cup. He mentioned that Dudu had only two call-ups and highlighted the strong competition for the 2022 World Cup, including names such as Vinicius Junior, Martinelli, Raphinha, Antony and Rodrygo. Dudu, in turn, thanked the compliments, but said he was well resolved at 30 years old regarding his career in the Brazilian National Team.

During Eduardo Bandeira de Mello's administration, Flamengo made an offer of 3 million euros (equivalent to R$9.7 million at the time) for 50% of Dudu's economic rights. However, Dynamo Kiev insisted on negotiating the full rights and requested double the amount to release the player. Dudu was about to be Flamengo's main signing for 2015. The club had already signed left-back Thallyson from Asa de Arapiraca and midfielder Artur Maia from América-RN. However, Dudu ended up being bought by Palmeiras, where he became an idol.

Featured Photo: Tite and Dudu at the National Team training at Nilton Santos in 2017 (reproduction/Durão/ge)