Flamengo races to register Valencia and Freitas for Copa Libertadores quarterfinals

By:Paulo PiresLibertadores EN01/09/2026at 23:30

Tight deadline in the Libertadores: Flamengo must register Valencia and Freitas by Friday for the quarterfinals.

Flamengo is in a race against time to secure the participation of their new signings, Anthony Valencia and Joaquin Freitas, in the Copa Libertadores. The club has until next Friday, September 4, to register the players for the continental competition, even though the Brazilian transfer market remains open until the 11th of the same month.

The urgency stems from the approaching quarterfinals, where the Rubro-Negro will face Independiente del Valle (ECU). If the registrations are not completed by the deadline, the Rio de Janeiro side will have to play the decisive matchups with their current squad.

The absence of Valencia and Freitas would be a significant blow, especially following the recent transfer of Gonzalo Plata, who has already departed the club.

New Signings Arrive to Bolster the Attack

The search for offensive reinforcements has been a priority for Flamengo during the transfer window, which opened on July 20. Initially, the club attempted to sign Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada, who chose River Plate, and made an unsuccessful bid for Luiz Henrique of Zenit (RUS).

Now, attention has turned to Anthony Valencia, arriving from Royal Antwerp (BEL), and Joaquin Freitas, from River Plate (ARG). Both players are already in Rio de Janeiro to undergo medical examinations and sign their contracts. Their arrival aims to fill important gaps in the squad.

Departures and Roles for the New Arrivals

Flamengo has also confirmed the departure of key players. Gonzalo Plata was sold to Dynamo Moscow (RUS) for a fee between 10 and 12 million euros, approximately R$ 60 to R$ 72 million. Another player who left the club was Wallace Yan, who was transferred to Red Bull Bragantino.

The expectation is that Anthony Valencia will fill the void left by Plata in the attack. Meanwhile, Joaquin Freitas is viewed as an immediate option for the frontline, serving as a potential substitute or alternative for Pedro.

Tight Schedule: Focus on Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A

The Libertadores quarterfinals are fast approaching. The first leg against Independiente del Valle is scheduled for September 10 at 9:30 PM (Brasilia time) at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil in Ecuador. The return leg will take place on September 17 at the Maracanã.

Before shifting focus to the Libertadores, Flamengo has commitments in the Brazilian Serie A. On Wednesday, September 2, the team coached by Leonardo Jardim will face Mirassol at 7:30 PM at the Maracanã. There is hope that Anthony Valencia, who is already match-fit, could be included in the squad.

The deadline for registering new players in the Libertadores is a crucial factor for Flamengo, as they look to advance in the competition at full strength. The club’s management is working intensively to ensure Valencia and Freitas are available for the clashes against Independiente del Valle.

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