Family pull and Argentina return see Almada prioritise River Plate as Flamengo await answer | OneFootball

Flamengo's pursuit of Thiago Almada has hit a snag, with River Plate back in and the player leaning towards a return to Argentina. According to Globo.com, family considerations have weighed heavily and Almada has also given River the green light, prompting Flamengo to wait on a final answer.

Talks with Flamengo had been progressing with optimism, underpinned by greater financial power and a convincing project, and the midfielder had signalled positively. River's renewed push has slowed the finalisation of any deal with the Rio side.

Neither club has an agreement with Atlético de Madrid. The Spaniards are waiting for the player's choice, and their preference is for Flamengo, though they will respect his decision as they want an exit.

Inside Flamengo, the mood is one of patience. The club has set a deadline for early this week for a response, and one view is that the delay could be aimed at lifting the numbers involved.

River submitted an official 20 million euros bid to Atlético before Flamengo approached, but struggled to provide the required financial guarantees. Flamengo, meanwhile, drew goodwill from a recent negotiation involving Samuel Lino and were offering more.

Almada came through Vélez Sarsfield, where he played until 2022. In 2024 he spoke with Boca Juniors, but they did not match Botafogo's financial terms and Botafogo closed his signing at the time. Since last year at Atlético de Madrid, he has not enjoyed a regular run in Spain.

Source: Globo.com