Flamengo‘s football director, José Boto, clarified the reasons for his recent trip to Argentina and reiterated that the club will not participate in bidding wars for Thiago Almada.
The search for significant reinforcements for the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 puts Flamengo in a race against time during this transfer window, which remains open until September 11. Amidst the speculation, football director José Boto returned to Brazil this Tuesday (04) and used the opportunity to manage the expectations of the rubro-negra fanbase regarding the potential signing of midfielder Thiago Almada.
Upon his arrival, the director emphatically denied that the purpose of his trip to Argentine soil was to convince the player of the institution’s grandeur. According to the Mengão representative, the focus was on establishing clear limits at the negotiation table, ensuring that the Rio de Janeiro club maintains a responsible stance given the high values involved in the transfer market.
Firm Stance Against Bidding Wars
Boto made it clear that Flamengo will not be swayed by external pressures or strategies aimed at inflating prices. For the director, the viability of a transaction depends on previously agreed-upon conditions, without yielding to ‘bidding wars’ orchestrated by third parties.
I went there to make it very clear to them that we would not enter into bidding wars; in other words, what we had already agreed upon is what will stand if he wants to come to Flamengo. People talk a lot of nonsense, they say many things they don’t know.
Cautious Optimism and Deadlines
Despite the rigid stance, optimism persists behind the scenes at Gávea. The director acknowledges that negotiations require patience, especially due to the complexity of payment methods and the tax burden, which in Brazil can significantly increase an athlete’s final cost compared to other countries.
Focus on Multiple Fronts
Beyond the Almada case, the director took the opportunity to emphasize that the board is not limiting its attention to a single name. Maintaining its market strategy, Boto stated that the club is operating on several fronts simultaneously, which keeps fans’ hopes alive for other reinforcements, such as forward Luiz Henrique. The management remains committed to seeking athletes at the peak of their careers without jeopardizing the club’s financial health.
The resolution of this saga is expected in the coming weeks, with the anticipation that Flamengo will be able to strengthen its squad for the season’s crucial matches under the lens of fiscal responsibility championed by the M360 team.
