Flaco López, World Cup finalist, remains untouchable as Palmeiras stick to release clause | OneFootball

Flaco López, the first foreign Palmeiras player to reach a World Cup final, remains untouchable in the squad despite Argentina’s run.

Globo.com reports that Palmeiras will only entertain bids that trigger his release clause, typically around €100 million, roughly R$ 580 million. His World Cup campaign has lifted his valuation, but the club’s plan for the season is unchanged.

The club trust their relationship with the striker and his representatives, ruling out any attempt to force a move. He has drawn enquiries from Atletico de Madrid in recent months. The stance echoes 2023, when captain Gustavo Gómez received offers from Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr and Palmeiras did not open talks.

With Argentina set to face Spain on Sunday in New Jersey, United States, he is unlikely to be available to Abel Ferreira for the Coritiba match on 22. Like the club’s other World Cup players, he should be given a short rest before reporting back to the Academia de Futebol.

His fitness is not a concern. He has played only 18 minutes across two matches at this World Cup, including an extra-time assist for Julian Álvarez against Switzerland in the quarter-final.

Palmeiras want him to stay to bolster their title charge. They have already won the Campeonato Paulista, lead the Brasileirão by seven points and are in the last 16 of the cups. López has 22 goal contributions in 35 games, top scorer with 14 and second for assists with eight.

Source: Globo.com