Staying or leaving? Flamengo’s plans for De La Cruz in 2026 | OneFootball

Flamengo does not intend to sell De La Cruz

Due to ongoing physical issues, the future of De La Cruz at Flamengo has been questioned among fans. However, the club does not intend to sell the Uruguayan. The Rubro-Negro believes that the midfielder is a key player for the next year and wishes to keep the number 18 in good physical condition.

De La Cruz will undergo a procedure during the holidays to treat a problem in his left knee. In recent weeks, the Uruguayan 'earned points' after his good performance in the Club World Cup. Against PSG (FRA), for example, the player came on well and helped to hold back the French team's momentum. Additionally, in the penalty shootout, Nico was the only one from Flamengo to score.

The midfielder was signed by Flamengo in 2024 and cost over R$ 100 million. The contract is valid until 2028. The club has informed De La Cruz's staff not to seek proposals from other teams. However, the management has an internal rule: "any offer will be analyzed." So, if something satisfactory comes in, the values will be studied before making a decision.

WHAT ARE NICO DE LA CRUZ'S NUMBERS AT FLAMENGO?

In two years with Flamengo, De La Cruz played 75 games, scoring three goals and providing six assists. In 2025, he played 34 matches, scoring once, against Central Córdoba (ARG), from a free kick, in the first phase of the Copa Libertadores da América. However, the Uruguayan was the target of one of the few crises at the club during the season.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH DE LA CRUZ THIS YEAR?

Then Flamengo's doctor, José Luiz Runco, was dismissed for a comment about De La Cruz. In a WhatsApp group, the doctor said that the Uruguayan has a chronic knee problem. Due to the negative repercussions, the Rubro-Negro management decided to dismiss the experienced health professional.

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