Vasco’s maneuvers in the South American transfer market put Flamengo’s plans to sign Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada at risk.
The intense battle between Flamengo and River Plate for the signing of Thiago Almada has gained an unexpected factor: Vasco da Gama. The club from São Januário has advanced in negotiations for forward Facundo Colidio in a deal valued at 5 million dollars, approximately R$ 25.5 million.
The outcome of this deal could be the tipping point that finally allows the Argentine side to move forward for the midfielder, who currently plays in Spain.
The domino effect in the Argentine market
The obstacle for River Plate is both bureaucratic and financial. With the transfer window for incoming foreign players closed, the Buenos Aires club relies on offloading current squad members to clear roster spots and generate cash flow.
By negotiating Colidio with Vasco, River secures the necessary budget space to formalize a major bid for Thiago Almada, complicating matters for the Rubro-Negro.
Meanwhile, the Flamengo board is trying to keep control of the situation. Director of Football José Boto is currently on Argentine soil conducting direct talks with the player’s staff, seeking to accelerate the process.
The Rio-based club is working toward the September 11 deadline, when the international transfer window closes, to finalize the deal.
Plan B already on the radar
Aware of the complexity of the negotiations and the competition, the Department of Football of the Mais Querido already has a strategic alternative in case the dream of signing the Argentine midfielder does not materialize.
Forward Luiz Henrique, currently at Zenit (Russia), is the main target for Plan B. The club is studying an offer that could reach 30 million euros, approximately R$ 177 million, for the Brazilian winger.
The expectation is that the next few days will be decisive. With Thiago Almada returning to training in Spain, the atmosphere behind the scenes at Flamengo is one of tension and total focus on completing the squad for the remainder of the season.
The board is looking to prevent the indirect interference of their Rio rivals from becoming the deciding factor in the failure of the signing most awaited by the fans.
