Flamengo targets Luiz Henrique or Almada for the Libertadores, facing a tight registration deadline.
Flamengo is in a race against time to bolster its squad ahead of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. The club’s board has until 6:00 PM this Friday (07) to register new players for the competition, which has intensified negotiations for high-profile targets in the transfer market.
Current priorities are forward Luiz Henrique, from Zenit (Russia), and midfielder Thiago Almada, from Atlético de Madrid (Spain). Although the Rio de Janeiro club is in advanced talks with both parties, management is looking to optimize financial resources, making it difficult to complete both signings simultaneously.
Defining the Focus: Luiz Henrique or Almada?
The Flamengo board is working with two distinct scenarios, but with the same objective: strengthening the team for the remainder of the Libertadores. Negotiations for Luiz Henrique, which involve higher figures, currently seem to have a clearer path, with the Brazilian club having a better chance of success with the Brazilian athlete.
On the other hand, Thiago Almada’s situation depends on the player’s own decision. The Argentine midfielder is currently choosing between an offer from Flamengo and one from rival River Plate (Argentina). The final decision regarding his destination lies with the player.
Financial Figures and Strategies
The proposals presented reflect the magnitude of the operations. For Thiago Almada, Flamengo is reportedly willing to invest around 27 million euros (approximately R$ 158.2 million), with the potential to increase to 30 million euros based on performance-related goals.
The bid for Luiz Henrique starts at around 30 million euros (approximately R$ 178 million), plus 5 million euros in bonuses. One of the points of disagreement in the negotiations with Zenit is the payment structure, as the Russian club prefers an upfront payment, while Flamengo is seeking to pay in installments.
Urgency and Tactical Advantage
The imminent Libertadores registration deadline adds a layer of urgency to the negotiations. Choosing Luiz Henrique, in this context, offers a tactical advantage. As the forward is currently active at Zenit, he would arrive in peak physical condition to play immediately.
Conversely, Thiago Almada, having just returned from vacation, would require a period of readaptation and training before being match-fit. The international transfer window remains open until September 11, but Flamengo’s immediate focus is on resolving the issue by Friday.
Finalizing a signing by the end of this week will be crucial for the new addition to integrate into the squad and contribute to Mengão’s ambitions in the Copa Libertadores. The board is working intensely to reach an agreement that meets both the team’s sporting needs and the club’s financial planning.
