Flamengo idol Arrascaeta discussed an inquiry from Barcelona early in his professional career, revealing behind-the-scenes details.
Before becoming a living legend at Flamengo, the Uruguayan star Giorgian de Arrascaeta was on the radar of one of the giants of world football. At a time when he was emerging as a promise from Uruguay‘s youth categories, the player attracted the interest of Barcelona, from Spain, which sought to sign him on loan.
The revelation was made during an interview on the podcast ‘PodBoa’. According to the number 14, the Catalan club’s interest arose shortly after his standout performance in the U-20 World Cup, where the Uruguayan national team reached the grand final. Despite the excitement of the invitation, the transfer did not materialize.
Behind the scenes of the failed negotiation
According to the player himself, the decision not to move to the Spanish club was part of a strategy aligned with his team. The focus was to ensure he was properly consolidated in professional football before making bigger moves in Europe.
When I played for Uruguay’s U-20 team, in the national squad, we played the World Cup and reached the final, but lost to France. When I returned to Uruguay, I had the possibility to go to Barcelona, Barcelona B, I think it was, on loan. But then my agent, they decided it wasn’t the best for me at that moment because I wasn’t playing for the senior team yet.
The peak with the red-and-black jersey
After playing in Brazilian football for Cruzeiro, fate reserved for Arrascaeta the position of Flamengo’s biggest signing in history, in January 2019. The investment of about 15 million euros (approximately R$ 64 million at the time) proved to be one of the most profitable moves for the red-and-black management.
With 388 games played, 106 goals scored, and 119 assists, the midfielder has accumulated 18 titles in the Rio de Janeiro club’s jersey, sharing with Bruno Henrique the position of the player with the most achievements in the club’s history. Among the trophies, the three Libertadores titles and the three Brazilian Championship titles stand out.
Focus on the Brasileirão
With his contract secured until December 2028, the idol continues to be the team’s creative pillar. Now, the full focus is on Flamengo‘s next commitment in the Brazilian Championship. The team faces Corinthians this Sunday (13th), at 5:30 PM (Brasília time), at the Maracanã, for the 27th round.
The fans’ expectation is that the captain will maintain his performance level to consolidate the team’s campaign in the national competition. For more details on the red-and-black team’s preparation, follow the complete coverage from the M360 Team.
