Boto says Flamengo will not join Almada auction and urges patience in talks | OneFootball

Flamengo director of football José Boto said the club will not enter a bidding war for Almada, urging patience as negotiations continue.

According to Globo.com, Boto arrived at Rio’s Galeão airport on Tuesday after meeting the player’s representative in Argentina, and made clear Flamengo would only proceed on pre-agreed terms. He said he did not travel to persuade the player, who knows the size of Flamengo.

He said deals at this level require patience to avoid overpaying, but Flamengo will not wait indefinitely, and will not engage with real or feigned rival interest.

Boto pushed back at criticism, noting there have been only seven transfers worth 20 million euros or more in Brazilian football, all in the past two years, involving Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Cruzeiro. He called for unity, warning the year will be demanding.

Talks had moved towards a positive outcome before River Plate re-entered, with Almada long favouring a return to Argentina if Europe does not materialise, a stance shaped by family input.

Neither Flamengo nor River Plate have an agreement with Atlético de Madrid, who are waiting for the player’s decision and favour a move to Flamengo while seeking a sale.

River tabled a 20 million euro offer before Flamengo but struggled to provide the required financial guarantees. Flamengo offered more and carried goodwill after the recent Samuel Lino deal. Boto added any arrival would be on Flamengo’s terms.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”