Flamengo strengthens attack with Ecuadorian Anthony Valencia
Flamengo continues to be active in the transfer market to bolster its squad for the season’s decisive matches. On Tuesday (09/01/2026), the club officially announced the signing of Ecuadorian forward Anthony Valencia. At 23 years old, the player arrives to add depth to the attacking line and provide another option for head coach Leonardo Jardim, particularly as a center-forward.
The arrival of Valencia, who was previously with Royal Antwerp in Belgium, comes at a crucial time for the Rubro-Negro, as the team competes in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals and the final stretch of the Brazilian Serie A. The player landed in Rio de Janeiro last Sunday, underwent medical examinations, and signed a contract with Flamengo running through 2031. The club paid approximately 5 million euros (roughly 30 million Brazilian reais) for the athlete.
Reinforcement with international experience
Anthony Valencia is no stranger to the international stage. The forward was part of the Ecuador national team that played in the World Cup and arrives with a record of 13 goals and seven assists during his time in Belgian football. A product of Independiente del Valle, the left-footed player has been honing his skills in Europe since 2022.
Flamengo‘s need for new attacking options was highlighted by the recent departures of Gonzalo Plata and Wallace Yan. With Valencia in the squad, head coach Leonardo Jardim gains a player with the potential to add quality and tactical versatility for the upcoming challenges.
Focus on competitions
The club’s management is working to expedite Anthony Valencia’s registration so that he might make his debut as soon as this Wednesday (09/03/2026) against Mirassol at the Maracanã, in a rescheduled Brazilian Serie A match. Flamengo currently sits in second place in the standings with 48 points, and a victory could bring the team even closer to league leaders Palmeiras.
In addition to Valencia, Flamengo is also close to announcing another attacking reinforcement: Joaquín Freitas, from River Plate, who is already in Rio to undergo medical examinations. The expectation is that the club will further strengthen its offensive power for battles on all fronts.
Next steps
With the signing of Anthony Valencia, Flamengo demonstrates its ambition to fight for all titles this season. The club remains alert to the market and may announce further news soon. The fans are anxiously awaiting the new Ecuadorian forward’s contributions to the team’s success.
“I hope to be on the pitch soon and have the support of the fans. I will give my best to bring a lot of joy to the club. You can count on me,” Valencia declared in an interview with the club’s official website, showing his confidence and determination to write a new chapter in his career in Rio de Janeiro.
