Why Flamengo moved for Luiz Henrique and where Almada talks stand | OneFootball

Flamengo have shifted priority from Thiago Almada to Zenit forward Luiz Henrique, keeping their offer to the Argentine alive but unwilling to wait longer for a reply, according to Globo.com.

The Luiz Henrique deal carries a higher price than Almada. Flamengo do not believe they can complete both unless longer instalments and very favourable market opportunities arise. The Brazilian has already accepted, while Almada’s hurdle is personal terms and Atlético de Madrid have shown willingness to negotiate with the club he chooses.

Luiz Henrique has been a long-term target. Flamengo met him in Spain before Botafogo’s approach, he liked Rodolfo Landim’s project, but the club could not buy then and he stayed on the list.

With Almada unresolved, the board waited out a deadline given to his camp before pivoting.

Coach Leonardo Jardim had prioritised a midfielder and a winger, and Samuel Lino’s form as a 10 enabled the switch. The Libertadores registration cut-off is 18:00 Brasília time on Friday.

Luiz Henrique started for Zenit on Wednesday, so would arrive match ready, unlike Almada, who is on holiday. Flamengo’s proposal is about 30 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses, and there is optimism.

Talks with Zenit centre on payment terms, the Russians want money up front and Flamengo prefer to spread payments over roughly three years. Interest quickened after Botafogo offered Danilo, other Brazilian clubs enquired, Zenit were open and Luiz Henrique accepted immediately.

Source: Globo.com

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