Almada’s agent’s statement on talks with Flamengo and River Plate | OneFootball

Flamengo and River Plate (ARG) submitted offers to sign Thiago Almada, currently at Atlético de Madrid (ESP)

The saga surrounding the signing of attacking midfielder Thiago Almada has recently gained new chapters. In talks with Flamengo, but also drawing strong interest from River Plate (ARG), the Argentine player has still not made a final decision about the next step in his career. At least that was the recent assurance given by one of the player’s agents, as Almada currently plays for Atlético de Madrid (ESP).

In contact with journalist Venê Casagrande, agent Agustín Jiménez confirmed that the player still has not decided which offer he will accept in the coming weeks. “Thiago still hasn’t made a decision,” said the Argentine player’s agent.

DID JOSÉ BOTO TRAVEL TO ARGENTINA?

Last weekend, Flamengo football director José Boto was in Argentina to deal with some matters. Upon returning to Brazil in the early hours of this Tuesday (04), the executive made a point of ‘setting the record straight’, explaining that the trip to the neighboring country was not solely related to Thiago Almada and, in addition, assuring that the Rio club will not get into bidding wars for any player.

— The reason I went to Argentina was not to convince Almada, because that would be stupid on Almada’s part if I had to go there to convince him. He played here for six months and knows how big Flamengo is, just like all of us do — said Boto.

— What I went there to say was that we would not get into bidding wars. What we had already agreed is what it will be, if he wants to come to Flamengo — he stated.

Although he reinforced that the Rubro-Negro club remains interested in the player, Boto avoided guaranteeing an immediate positive outcome. According to the executive, the negotiation depends on the financial terms and the current behavior of the international market.

— Almada may come, someone else may come, or no one may come. But if any player comes, it will be on Flamengo’s terms, not in a bidding war — he said.

WHO IS COMPETING TO SIGN ALMADA?

Flamengo had advanced talks with Thiago Almada and was even optimistic about completing the deal for the player. However, River Plate has re-entered the picture. In short, behind the scenes at the Rio club, there is a belief that the delay in finalizing the talks is due to a desire to raise the figures involved, as well as to allow time for a possible offer from Europe.

HOW LONG DOES FLAMENGO PLAN TO WAIT FOR ALMADA?

The transfer window opened on July 20 and runs until September 11. However, Flamengo is under pressure to define a ‘marquee signing’ as soon as possible because of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Cruzeiro.

That is because clubs will only be allowed to register new players (or make changes to their registered squads) until next Saturday (08), at 6 p.m. (Paraguay time). In other words, in compliance with the 72-hour deadline before the start of the matches in this stage.

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