With a focus on squad renewal, Flamengo makes the arrival of Ecuadorian forward Anthony Valencia official, a signing that promises to bring a new dynamic to the Rubro-Negro attack.
Flamengo has made a splash in the transfer market by finalizing the signing of Anthony Valencia. The 23-year-old forward arrived in Rio de Janeiro this Monday (31) to undergo medical examinations and sign his contract with the Rio club. The player arrives in Brazil after four seasons with Royal Antwerp in Belgium, marking the first signing announced in this transfer window.
To seal the deal, the Flamengo board will pay approximately five million euros (around R$ 30.08 million) for 100% of the player’s economic rights. The agreement also stipulates that the Belgian club will retain a 15% share of any future profit from a subsequent transfer.
Strategic replacement in the attacking unit
The player, a regular call-up for the Ecuador national team who participated in the 2026 World Cup, arrives with the responsibility of filling the gap left by Plata, who was recently transferred to Dynamo Moscow. A product of the Independiente del Valle youth academy, Valencia is viewed as an immediate replacement with significant potential for market value growth.
Technical profile: Speed and dribbling
Although left-footed, Anthony Valencia prefers playing on the right wing. This tactical trait allows the forward to cut inside, creating numerical advantages and opening up space for shots or decisive passes. The M360 Team highlights that his greatest strength is his acceleration during rapid transitions, an attribute that fits perfectly into Flamengo‘s dynamic style of play.
“His intelligent movement, both on and off the ball, combined with the experience gained in European football, provides the Rubro-Negro squad with an immediate tactical boost for the remainder of the season,” notes the M360 Team.
Career trajectory and current form
Valencia began his international journey in 2022. During his time at Royal Antwerp, the forward had to adapt to a higher level of physical and tactical demands than he was accustomed to in Ecuador. He arrives in Rio in excellent technical form: in his first three games of the European season, he scored three goals, maintaining high performance averages.
Last season with the Belgian club, the forward appeared in 27 matches, 12 as a starter, recording four goals and two assists. Fans hope that the new signing can replicate this performance and help the club secure titles for the rest of the 2026 calendar.
