Flamengo’s big-name snub: why their top target slipped away | OneFootball

Memphis Depay’s move to Brazilian football made headlines, but according to intermediary Frederico Carvalho—officially registered with the CBF—the Dutch forward’s true preference was a switch to Flamengo, not Corinthians.

Carvalho, who participated in initial talks to bring Depay to Brazil, detailed that the player and his representatives viewed Flamengo as their ideal destination. "Memphis’ priority was always Flamengo. His team felt more secure with the club—financially and in sporting terms," Carvalho told Rádio Bandeirantes. He even noted Depay’s longstanding connection to Brazil, citing the Christ the Redeemer tattoo on the player’s torso, a memento from the 2014 World Cup that left a lasting impression on the forward.

Despite Depay being available as a free agent—meaning no transfer fee—negotiations stalled as the player’s salary expectations exceeded Flamengo’s threshold. Carvalho explained that once Flamengo reviewed the proposed contract terms, they felt the numbers were “a bit heavy,” suggesting the salary would surpass what top squad members like Gabigol, Pedro, and Arrascaeta were earning at the time. Ultimately, the club deemed it financially unviable, opting not to rush the situation since Depay could be signed outside the window as a free agent.

In the meantime, Corinthians, facing on-field struggles and off-field distractions—including sponsorship turbulence—persistently pursued the former Atlético Madrid and Barcelona attacker. "Every week someone from Corinthians was calling," Carvalho recalled, emphasizing the club’s urgency. The decisive moment reportedly came after Corinthians secured a new betting sponsor, with club management expressing the need to sign a marquee name who would elevate both the team’s profile and marketing strategy.

While Flamengo chose patience and financial prudence, Corinthians seized the moment and completed the deal. According to Carvalho, the Rio side’s stability afforded them a more cautious approach, but in the end, the salary demands and timing tilted the move in favor of the São Paulo club.

The episode underscores Flamengo’s continued emphasis on maintaining a sustainable wage structure—even as significant names become available—and highlights how off-pitch factors like sponsorship can be decisive in shaping Brazil’s transfer market.

Source: UOL