Peñarol president Ignacio Ruglio has detailed discussions regarding a potential homecoming for De La Cruz, highlighting the player’s desire to represent the Uruguayan side while acknowledging the complexity of a deal with Flamengo.
The saga surrounding a potential departure of De La Cruz from Flamengo has taken a new turn. In a recent interview, Peñarol president Ignacio Ruglio confirmed that negotiations with the Uruguayan midfielder’s camp are aligned, but stressed that the main obstacle to the player’s return to his boyhood club remains the financial and structural agreement with the Rubro-Negro.
Ongoing negotiations
According to the executive, talks between Peñarol and the player’s representatives have been ongoing for nearly 25 days. Although there is a clear desire from De La Cruz to wear the Uruguayan club’s jersey again, the president is cautious about the final outcome.
“We are seeing if there is any possibility and we are trying, but we know these are very difficult players to acquire,”Ruglio told the ‘El Espectador Deportes’ channel.
Physical condition and next steps
One point of uncertainty was the midfielder’s health, as he had recently been sidelined by physical issues. However, the Peñarol president reassured fans, guaranteeing that the player feels ready to play. According to Ruglio, the athlete claims to be training normally.
The Uruguayan project focuses on a one-year loan, with no transfer fees, and the club covering the player’s full wages. The goal is to strengthen the squad for international competitions, with dreams of a high-profile partnership in the attack.
Perspective at Flamengo
De La Cruz’s situation in Rio de Janeiro seems to have reached a turning point. With an increasingly competitive midfield, the player has struggled to string together a consistent run in the starting lineup.
For Mengão 360, the move makes sense for all parties involved. While Flamengo looks to optimize its wage bill and free up space on the roster, for De La Cruz, a change of scenery in an environment where he is considered an idol could be the way to regain his status as a key player. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the Uruguayan star returns to his home country.
