Flamengo director states the club will not enter a bidding war for Thiago Almada.
Flamengo’s football director, José Boto, provided an updated overview of the club’s negotiations for Argentinian midfielder Thiago Almada. In statements made after arriving from a trip to Argentina, Boto made it clear that while Fla’s interest in the player remains, the board is unwilling to enter a bidding war that could jeopardize the club’s financial health.
Negotiations at a Delicate Stage
The executive’s stance reinforces Flamengo’s strategy to maintain spending control, even with the possibility of strengthening the squad with a high-profile player like Almada, who also plays for the Argentina national team. Boto emphasized that the conditions presented by the club are clear, and there will be no flexibility to enter a bidding war for the athlete.
José Boto, Flamengo’s football director, stated:
I went there to make it clear to them (the player’s staff) that we (the club) would not enter bidding wars. What we agreed upon is what it will be if he wants to come to Flamengo.
The director’s statement indicates that Flamengo is prepared to withdraw if financial demands become excessive. He also mentioned that the board maintains a Plan B and that signing Almada is not the club’s sole objective.
Patience is Key
Boto asked for patience from Flamengo supporters, explaining that high-level negotiations require time and caution to be successfully concluded within the established budget. This caution is even more necessary given the competition, such as from River Plate, which has already submitted a 20 million euro offer to Atlético de Madrid, the club holding Almada’s rights. However, the Argentinian club is facing difficulties in finalizing the transaction.
The current scenario suggests that Thiago Almada’s future in Brazilian football, specifically with Flamengo, remains uncertain. Fla’s board demonstrates firmness in its transfer policy, prioritizing financial sustainability, even when facing the possibility of losing an internationally renowned player. Following the next chapters of this negotiation will be crucial to understanding the direction of the transfer market for the Rio de Janeiro club.
Equipe M360
