Flamengo pivot to scout-led signings as Anthony Valencia and Joaquín Freitas join | OneFootball

Flamengo have returned to a scout-led approach with the signings of Anthony Valencia and Joaquín Freitas, aligning recruitment with Leonardo Jardim’s requests.

According to Globo.com, José Boto’s plan had been sidelined by big-ticket targets, notably Lucas Paquetá, before failed moves for Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique forced a reset.

Jardim asked for profiles rather than names, so Flamengo prioritised under-25 options with lower fees and resale potential. The players’ determination to come was key, both telling their clubs they wanted Rio.

River Plate had already reinforced and made a major Almada purchase, heightening the need to bring in cash, yet still fought to keep Freitas. Boto pushed the deal and views the striker as a new Lautaro Martínez, recalling missing out on Lautaro at Shakhtar Donetsk to Inter Milan.

Freitas is slated to operate as a centre-forward. Reported figures diverge, around 7 million dollars fixed plus roughly 2 million in bonuses versus 15 million dollars in Argentina. Flamengo have bought 80% of his rights.

Valencia joins from Royal Antwerp for around 5 million euros, about R$ 30.08 million, to replace Plata after his sale to Dynamo Moscow. The 23-year-old was developed at Independiente del Valle and made Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup squad but was unused. He fractured a fibula in 2022, then suffered an ACL rupture in 2025. Club data rates him behind Plata only for pace, and staff believe he could surpass him. Flamengo moved quickly, with Valencia eager.

Source: Globo.com

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