RIO DE JANEIRO, July 12 -- Brazilian attacking midfielder Gerson has joined Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo after parting ways with Italy's Roma, both clubs announced on Friday.
The 22-year-old will be tied to the five-time Brazilian top flight champions until December 2022 after agreeing to personal terms earlier in the day.
Roma said in a statement that they accepted a fee of 11.8 million euros (around 13 million U.S. dollars) plus 10 percent of any future transfer. Flamengo reportedly beat off interest in the playmaker from Genoa and Dynamo Moscow.
Gerson made just 28 Italian Serie A appearances for Roma after his 2016 move from Fluminense. He spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Fiorentina, scoring three times in 36 league matches.
The former Brazil Under-20 international is Flamengo's third high-profile signing since former Benfica and Sporting Lisbon boss replaced Abel Braga as head coach on June 1.
Right-back Rafinha joined from Bayern Munich late last month and Spanish central defender Pablo Mari arrived from Manchester City this week.