Midfielder Erick Pulgar has reached an agreement to extend his contract with Flamengo until the end of 2028, after shining in the Copa Libertadores and solidifying his role as a key piece of the team.
Flamengo is on the verge of finalizing a contract extension with midfielder Erick Pulgar, one of the pillars of the team under manager Leonardo Jardim. The verbal agreement, which will extend his deal through 2028 and include a salary increase, is just awaiting formalization and final approval from president Bap, creating a sense of great optimism behind the scenes at the club.
The Chilean player’s appreciation reflects his rise within the Rubro-Negro, especially following several decisive performances. His commitment on the pitch, notably seen in the recent qualification against Cruzeiro in the Copa Libertadores, reaffirmed the importance of keeping him and the board’s desire to protect him from potential interest from other markets.
Consolidation and Overcoming Challenges
Pulgar‘s journey in the first half of the year was marked by challenges, including an early red card and a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a period, as well as a four-match suspension from the STJD. Despite these setbacks, the Chilean midfielder showed resilience and, under the guidance of Leonardo Jardim, reclaimed his spot as an absolute starter in the Flamengo midfield, becoming a reference point both on the pitch and in the locker room.
“I believe that some players have that (commitment) more ingrained in them. Pulgar is one of those. I am also a player who tries to show a lot in every challenge, letting out what I am feeling at the moment. Pulgar has been contagious for us; he is a player who celebrates every tackle, and that automatically inspires our team. We keep pushing forward. It has been different for us,” said Emerson Royal after the match against Cruzeiro.
Renewal Details and Contract Protection
Flamengo‘s football department, led by director José Boto, has already aligned all financial terms with the athlete, meeting his expectations for a raise. The priority in the renewal is also to increase his release clause, which is currently around US$ 4 million (equivalent to R$ 20.8 million), a figure considered accessible for clubs interested in taking him away from Rio de Janeiro. Raising this amount will protect the club from future transfer bids for the midfielder.
The 32-year-old player had received inquiries from clubs in the Middle East but opted to prioritize staying with the Rubro-Negro, demonstrating his desire to continue the project that has led him to nine titles since his arrival in 2022. Here is the list of honors the player has won in the Fla jersey: 2024, 2025, and 2026 Carioca Championship; 2022 and 2025 Copa Libertadores; 2022 and 2024 Copa do Brasil; 2025 Supercopa do Brasil; and the 2025 Brazilian Serie A.
Immediate Impact and Next Steps
Despite his good form, the intense schedule may lead to Erick Pulgar being rested in the next round of the Brazilian Serie A. With four consecutive starts and significant physical fatigue, the athlete traveled with the squad for the match against Cruzeiro, but there is a chance he could start on the bench, allowing Leonardo Jardim to manage the workload of his key players. The decision is part of a strategy to maintain the team’s high-level performance across the various competitions they are involved in.
The imminent signing of Pulgar‘s renewal not only solidifies the core of the squad for the coming years but also sends a clear message about Flamengo‘s strategy of retaining its top talent. The midfielder, who has already made 170 appearances, scored six goals, and provided nine assists for the club, is seen as a fundamental piece in the pursuit of further titles, cementing his legacy and the strength of the Rubro-Negro on both the domestic and international stages. The M360 team will continue to follow the next steps of this important move in the transfer market.
