Flamengo's contract headache: decisions loom for Varela and stars | OneFootball

Contract negotiations are taking center stage at Flamengo as four first-team players approach the final months of their existing deals, according to Lance. With less than six months remaining until their contracts expire on December 31, Matías Varela, Matheus Cunha, Pablo, and Cleiton all find themselves eligible to strike pre-contract agreements with other clubs.

Among them, right-back Varela stands out as closest to an extension. The Uruguayan, who has featured 26 times this season and contributed three assists and a goal, is enjoying arguably his best spell since joining Flamengo. Manager Filipe Luís has advocated for Varela’s renewal—a stance echoed by the club’s football director, José Boto, in negotiations with the player’s representatives. Varela, for his part, confirmed the situation is “very advanced,” stating, “My desire is to stay, obviously, but I don’t know. I think in the next few days we can make more progress.”

Goalkeeper Matheus Cunha, whose appearances this year have been limited to five matches, remains a question mark. While the club has yet to receive official offers, Cunha has attracted interest from both domestic and international sides. Decisions on his future are expected after discussions with director Boto, following the club’s Club World Cup campaign.

Defender Pablo, signed in 2022 but out of favour this season, has played just four matches—all in regional competition—and has spent the last five months training apart from the first-team squad. The club has granted the high-earning centre-back permission to seek a new home, but difficulties in finding a club have left him poised to see out his deal through December.

Cleiton, a product of Flamengo’s youth academy, has been given minimal first-team opportunities this year. While the club previously initiated renewal talks, discussions stalled and the player’s representatives did not indicate interest in an extension. With his contract running down, Cleiton is expected to field interest from abroad.

The story of expiring contracts isn’t limited to the players. Filipe Luís, whose work as manager during the Club World Cup drew international attention, also has a deal up in December. Negotiations have been stagnant, with Luís prioritizing certain player renewals—most notably Varela—over his own future. Both sides are considered keen to agree, but salary is likely to be a point of further discussion, as Luís earns the same as when he first took the job.

These contract deliberations coincide with a broader phase of transition at Flamengo, who are managing squad rotation, recovering from World Cup disappointment, and weighing their options in the market, all under scrutiny from supporters and media alike.

(Source: Lance)

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