Palmeiras sign John Arias, Flamengo tried to land ex-Fluminense star | OneFootball

Arias was officially announced this Saturday (07) at Palmeiras

It's official now! John Arias is the new addition to Palmeiras. The idol of Fluminense was officially announced by the runner-up of the Libertadores on the morning of this Saturday (07). In recent days, Flamengo attempted to sign the Colombian from Wolverhampton (ENG), but the athlete refused, due to his connection with the Laranjeiras club.

“Welcome, Jhon Arias! The 28-year-old Colombian forward arrives to strengthen Verdão! Avanti, my gringo,” wrote Palmeiras on social media. The runner-up of the Brasileirão spent 25 million euros (R$ 154 million) to sign the player, while Flamengo attempted to sign him for 23 million euros (R$ 141 million).

DID ARIAS CAUSE OUTRAGE AT FLUMINENSE?

When he left Fluminense last year, Arias promised he would only return to Brazil to play for the Laranjeiras team. Therefore, with this change of stance, the player caused outrage at the Rio rival. For this reason, minutes before Palmeiras' announcement, the Colombian released an open letter.

“I am living an important moment in my career. I know the weight of my words, of what I say and think. At the same time, life and football are very dynamic. Considering what was really possible at this moment and what was in my hands, I had to make decisions,” the player began.

“I now begin a new chapter of my life and career, always thanking all those who truly support me!,” Arias concluded. The Colombian arrives at Palmeiras to replace Raphael Veiga, who was loaned to América do México.

HAS DESPERATION HIT, AFTER ALL?

After spending 25 million euros on Vitor Roque last year and the same amount on Arias in 2026, Palmeiras will try to erase the embarrassment of the previous season, full of runner-up finishes: Paulista (Corinthians), Libertadores (Flamengo), and Brasileirão (Flamengo).

On the other hand, Mengão remains active in the market, after paying 42 million euros (R$ 260 million) for Lucas Paquetá. Additionally, the club has approximately 30 million euros (R$ 185 million) reserved for a forward. Thus, the competition promises to be intense both on and off the field in 2026.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.