Argentine TV reports: River's Joaquín Freitas joins Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo close to signing River Plate (ARG) forward

Flamengo are very close to announcing another signing for the squad. According to information released by TV TyC Sports, the Rubro-Negro have agreed to sign 19-year-old forward Joaquín Freitas, who belongs to River Plate (ARG). The deal could reach US$17 million (around R$92 million at the current exchange rate), including bonuses.

Because the talks are at an advanced stage, Freitas may not even be included in River Plate’s squad for Sunday’s (30) match against Banfield in the Argentine league. The expectation is that the forward will be kept out while the final details of the transfer to Flamengo are sorted out.

WHO IS JOAQUÍN FREITAS?

Developed by Acassuso, a club that will receive a percentage of the deal, Freitas joined River Plate and became part of the professional squad. At 19, however, he is still looking for more space in the first team.

So far, the forward has played 30 matches for River Plate and scored just one goal. Curiously, that lone strike came precisely against Banfield, the club’s opponent this Sunday. Despite the still modest numbers, Freitas has drawn attention for his pace and ability in one-on-one situations. In addition, the player can operate in different roles across the attack.

WHAT POSITION DOES FREITAS PLAY?

In recent matches under Chacho Coudet, Freitas had mainly been used as a right winger. However, the youngster prefers to play closer to the box as a second striker.

That versatility, combined with his pace and one-on-one ability, has made the player a target for major clubs. Now, the next step in his career should come in Brazilian football, wearing the Flamengo shirt.

WILL RIVER KEEP A PERCENTAGE OF A FUTURE SALE?

Although River Plate own Freitas’ economic rights, the Argentine club will not keep the full value of the deal. That is because Acassuso, the team responsible for developing the forward, will be entitled to 25% of the transfer, capped at US$1 million.

In addition, River Plate are expected to retain 20% of the rights to a future sale of the player. That way, the club from Núñez could profit again if Freitas is sold by Flamengo in the future.

HAS FREITAS PLAYED FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM?

The forward has also already been given an opportunity with the Argentina national team. His performances for River Plate caught the attention of Lionel Scaloni, who called up the youngster for the friendlies in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Freitas even made his senior Argentina debut in the 2-0 win over Honduras. On that occasion, he came on in the 41st minute of the second half, replacing Nicolás Otamendi.

Now, the forward is close to swapping River Plate for Flamengo. If the deal is completed, Freitas will arrive at Mengão to compete for space in one of the most star-studded areas of the squad coached by Leonardo Jardim.

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