Alverca beats Athletic to sign Flamengo midfielder Rayan Lucas permanently

By:Luzia AiresTransfers05/08/2026at 21:36

Midfielder Rayan Lucas leaves Flamengo permanently and signs with Portuguese club

Midfielder Rayan Lucas, who had not been getting playing time under coach Leonardo Jardim at Flamengo, is heading to Europe. The player, whose move to Athletic-MG, from the Brazilian Serie B, had been previously arranged on loan, saw the situation change with the entry of Alverca, from Portugal. The Portuguese club presented a permanent transfer proposal, which was accepted by Flamengo.

Quick and Permanent Negotiation

The initial agreement with Athletic-MG already had Flamengo‘s approval, but the delay in response from Rayan Lucas‘s representatives caused the deal to cool down. Seizing the opportunity, Alverca, which competes in the Portuguese top division, formalized its interest in signing the midfielder permanently. The European club secured a four-year contract with the player, who is expected to travel in the coming days to sign the deal.

Percentage in Future Sale

Although the departure is permanent, Flamengo will not leave empty-handed. According to information gathered by the Coluna do Fla team, the Rubro-Negro will retain 50% of Rayan Lucas‘s economic rights for a future sale. This strategy aims to ensure a financial return if the midfielder, who has a contract with Mengão until October 2028, excels in European football.

Recent Stint in Portugal

This will not be Rayan Lucas‘s first experience in Portugal. Last year, the 21-year-old midfielder was on loan at Sporting CP (POR), but had few opportunities with the main team, with only one appearance. For Sporting B, he played 22 games, scoring no goals and providing one assist. The limited playing time in Flamengo‘s pre-season friendlies also reinforced the decision to seek new opportunities.

Press View

“I hope Flamengo got some money. It’s important they kept a percentage, after all, Rayan had opportunities in youth national teams and could explode in Europe in a few years. On the other hand, I understand it’s better to release the player. Rayan couldn’t even play during the mid-season break… To have the kid sidelined, it’s better to let him go. May he rediscover his good form from his youth academy days and build a great career. He has the potential. And at Alverca, who will fight against relegation in Portugal, he will be heavily tested,” commented Pedro Paulo Catonho, a journalist for Coluna do Fla.

Rayan Lucas‘s departure is part of a context of squad movements at Flamengo. The Portuguese team, meanwhile, seeks to strengthen its squad aiming to stay in the elite of its country’s football. The future will tell if this transfer will be an important step in the young midfielder’s career.

Equipe M360