Flamengo await Almada agent’s arrival in Rio to finalise transfer details | OneFootball

Flamengo are closing in on a deal for Thiago Almada, with football director José Boto due to meet the midfielder’s agent Agustín Jiménez in Rio de Janeiro this weekend, according to Globo.com.

The move is not sealed, but talks, including with Atlético de Madrid, have progressed in recent days and are edging towards a positive conclusion.

Flamengo have held a verbal agreement with Almada’s camp for days and are leaning on a good relationship with Atlético to complete the operation. The fee is expected to be above 20 million euros, R$ 115.5 million, offered by River Plate, but not exceed 28 million euros, R$ 161.8 million.

Before the World Cup, Almada rejected proposals from Russia, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. Flamengo made an enquiry in June and were told he wanted to remain in Europe. With no advantageous European bids so far, he began to consider a return to South American football.

River were also confident and felt they were close, but the Brazilian club gained ground in recent weeks. The Argentines travelled to Madrid to formalise their bid, although they still had to present all financial guarantees requested by the Spaniards.

Flamengo are discussing two other targets, a centre forward and a winger, but are currently focused on Almada. He will be the headline name of this transfer window.

Source: Globo.com