European side gazumps Athletic-MG for Flamengo's Rayan Lucas | OneFootball

Flamengo had already given the ‘ok’ to Athletic-MG’s proposal

Out of coach Leonardo Jardim’s plans, Rayan Lucas already knows where he will play in the second half of the season. Flamengo had even given the ‘ok’ to the proposal from Athletic-MG, a team competing in Brazil’s Série B. However, Alverca, from Portugal, entered the race and completed the signing of the defensive midfielder.

Athletic’s offer, approved by Flamengo, was for a loan deal. After Mengo gave a positive signal, Ryan Lucas’ camp reviewed the proposal. However, no response was given regarding the midfielder’s move to Minas Gerais, and the deal cooled off.

Then Alverca, from Portugal’s first division, informed Flamengo that they wanted to sign the player on a permanent deal. According to journalist Venê Casagrande, Rayan Lucas will travel to Europe in the coming days and sign a four-year contract, but the Portuguese side will not pay a transfer fee. Nathalia Coelho, from Coluna do Fla, also reported that the Rubro-Negro will keep 50% of a future sale.

RAYAN LUCAS BACK TO PORTUGAL?

Rayan Lucas is under contract with Flamengo until October 2028. Over the last 12 months, the midfielder was in Portugal on loan, wearing Sporting’s shirt. However, the 21-year-old made just one appearance for the senior team. For Sporting B, he made 22 appearances, with no goals and one assist.

During Flamengo’s mid-season training period, Rayan Lucas had limited minutes in the friendlies and was one of Leonardo Jardim’s last options off the bench. Against Lausanne (SUI), the player was on the field for 13 minutes. Against Olimpia (PAR), only eight. In the matches against River Plate (ARG) and Benfica (POR), he did not even leave the bench, even though the coach made many substitutions.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

— It’s important to keep a percentage, after all, Rayan had opportunities with the youth national teams and could break out in Europe in a few years. But I regret the fact that the player left for free. It’s something that has been happening frequently with players developed in Flamengo’s academy —, began Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist at Coluna do Fla.

— However, I understand that it’s better to let the player go. Rayan couldn’t get minutes even during the mid-season training period… Rather than leave the kid sidelined, it’s better to let him go. Hopefully he can rediscover the good football he showed in the youth ranks and build a great career. He has potential. And at Alverca, who will be fighting relegation in Portugal, he will be tested a lot —, Pedro added.

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