Argentine player reveals he’s been cleared to sign for Flamengo | OneFootball

Argentinian Striker Lucas Beltrán Was Close to Joining Flamengo Last Year

Today, one of Flamengo's priorities in the transfer market is signing a striker. Flamengo almost filled this gap in 2025. This is because, at the time, the Rubro-Negro reached an agreement with Fiorentina (ITA) to sign Lucas Beltrán, but the Argentinian did not want to return to South America.

— Flamengo's interest was concrete, they pushed for my signing. Fiorentina had given the green light, but the decision was mine. It was difficult to say no. When they contacted me, I thanked them for their interest because I know what Flamengo represents, it is one of the biggest teams in South America. It was hard to refuse such a big institution, but for now, I don't regret it because I wanted to stay in Europe — said Beltrán, to the 'Ezzequiel' channel on YouTube.

Flamengo offered Fiorentina 15 million euros (R$ 95 million). The Italian team gave the 'ok', but Beltrán declined. Out of the Italian club's plans, the player ended up being loaned to Valencia (ESP) since September of last year. In Spain, he has scored three goals in 17 matches.

WHAT ELSE DID BELTRÁN SAY IN THE INTERVIEW?

Besides the negotiation with Flamengo, Beltrán showed knowledge about the Most Beloved. The Argentinian mentioned that if he had accepted the Rubro-Negro project, he would have competed for a position with Pedro, the “best Brazilian center-forward today”, according to the Valencia athlete.

Finally, Beltrán ranked Flamengo as one of the top-3 teams in South America, alongside the Argentinian teams Boca Juniors and River Plate. The player, in fact, is a product of the 2019 Libertadores runner-up and also played for Colón (ARG) before heading to Europe.

HOW IS FLAMENGO'S SEARCH FOR A STRIKER GOING?

Without Beltrán, 24, Flamengo ended last year with Pedro being the reference striker. Alternating with the number 9, Filipe Luís used players like Bruno Henrique and Gonzalo Plata as makeshift options. Juninho, who was seldom used, has already been sold to Pumas (MEX).

Therefore, Flamengo is persistent in pursuing Kaio Jorge from Cruzeiro. This Thursday (08), the team from Minas Gerais rejected an offer of over R$ 188 million for the player. Additionally, the Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) striker Kauã Elias is also on their radar.

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