Exclusive: Flamengo agree Almada deal, sway US bank away from River Plate | OneFootball

Bank guarantee for U.S. bank could be Flamengo’s trump card to beat River Plate (ARG)

A behind-the-scenes twist is shaking up Flamengo’s possible signing of Thiago Almada. According to an exclusive report by reporter Rock Hudson, from Coluna do Fla, River Plate’s (ARG) difficulty in providing guarantees to a bank in the United States opens a window for the red-and-black club to move forward in the negotiations.

While the Argentine rival tries to use a record surplus to pay for the midfielder in installments, Flamengo is closely monitoring the situation. The Rio club is therefore watching how the talks unfold so that, if River Plate’s deal falls through, it can make an offer with as little installment payment as possible.

WHAT DOES THE NEGOTIATION LOOK LIKE TODAY?

River Plate is trying to sign Thiago Almada. There is an agreement between the Argentine club and Atlético de Madrid (ARG) for 20 million euros (around R$117 million at the current exchange rate). That amount covers 50% of the player’s economic rights.

However, completing the deal is facing bureaucratic hurdles. River Plate is trying to pay the amount in installments, but that strategy has run into strict requirements from an undisclosed American bank.

WHY IS THERE THIS BANKING PROBLEM?

The U.S. financial institution financed and advanced the funds for the original transfer of ‘Almada from the Eagle Football holding company’ to Spain. That bank holds guarantees over the operation and has veto power over the terms of the new sale.

Since Atlético de Madrid needs to transfer credit obligations, the bank’s requirements are holding up the signing of the contract. The bureaucracy is delaying the outcome while the player focuses on the Argentine national team.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S STRATEGY?

Flamengo remains watchful behind the scenes. In fact, football director José Boto publicly questioned, in an interview with Coluna do Fla, the truthfulness of the rival’s agreement, showing skepticism about how quickly the Argentines can resolve the obstacles.

Amid all this, Flamengo is keeping active talks with the player’s intermediaries. In addition, it is worth stressing that there is a verbal agreement between Flamengo and Thiago Almada.

The midfielder prioritizes European football, which is no surprise. However, he is leaving the door open for the Rubro-Negro project if no offer from Europe materializes.

In short, Flamengo’s advantage lies in its financial ability to make immediate payment, something that reduces regulatory risks for Atlético de Madrid. If the American bank ultimately rejects River Plate’s proposed installment structure, the Rio club will present an offer with an aggressive payment flow.

IS ALL THIS EFFORT WORTH IT?

The scenario points to an ‘international financial chess match’. Atlético de Madrid values liquidity and security. Flamengo is emerging as a solution to that demand, keeping the saga completely open behind the scenes in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Flamengo’s fans are waiting for the next developments in a dispute where the club’s financial power gives it an edge. Meanwhile, Leonardo Jardim’s Flamengo continues searching for an elite playmaker to compete with Arrascaeta for a spot.

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