Bap 'celebrates' Plata exit before Dynamo Moscow pull-out | OneFootball

Flamengo president said he was “very happy” about Gonzalo Plata’s departure

Flamengo had everything in place to sell Gonzalo Plata to Dynamo Moscow (RUS). It is no surprise that, during a Board of Directors meeting, president Luiz Eduardo Baptista celebrated the player’s exit. However, on Tuesday (01), the deal was called off after the Ecuadorian failed the Russian club’s medical exams.

What Bap said about Plata’s departure

According to information from ‘GE’, Flamengo’s president celebrated the deal in a direct statement to the board members. “I’m very happy with Plata’s sale because now we no longer have to wander around Rio de Janeiro at night to find out what and how much he is drinking,” said Bap.

However, Bap’s celebration lost its meaning just hours later, with the cancellation of the sale to Dynamo Moscow. Therefore, Flamengo now has to deal with Plata’s return to the squad, even after signing Anthony Valencia as a replacement.

Flamengo was surprised by the failed medical exams

Flamengo was surprised by Plata not passing the Russian club’s medical exams. That is because the forward had been playing normally for Rubro-Negro before the negotiations. In addition, the player was a starter for Ecuador throughout the 2026 World Cup.

The agreement between Flamengo and Dynamo Moscow provided for the payment of 12 million euros upfront. That amount corresponds to around R$72 million at the current exchange rate. However, with the Russian team pulling out, Mengão will not receive the agreed sum.

Plata was always an important tactical piece, but caused friction behind the scenes

In two years at Flamengo, Plata was always regarded as a tactically important player by Filipe Luís and Leonardo Jardim, mainly because of his defensive work on the right side of the field. As a result, the player’s commitment on the pitch led the club, on some occasions, to overlook excesses related to his nightlife.

It is no surprise that, in March this year, coach Leonardo Jardim gave Plata a ‘dressing-down.’ “He is a player who is having difficulties integrating. At this moment, to play for Flamengo it is necessary to be well integrated. We need concentration, attitude, and a great physical commitment to fight for results,” said the coach.

Did Flamengo sign a replacement for Plata?

Amid Plata’s departure, Flamengo went to the market and signed Anthony Valencia, a 23-year-old winger who had been playing for Royal Antwerp (BEL). The youngster, in fact, arrived precisely to fill the Ecuadorian’s absence. Now, with the return of the No. 29, coach Leonardo Jardim has more options for the right side of the attack.

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