Lyon full-back clears up rumour of a Flamengo bid | OneFootball

What did Abner, Lyon’s left-back (FRA), say about rumors of an offer from Flamengo?

Flamengo is keeping an eye on market opportunities as the transfer window approaches. Amid that, the name of left-back Abner, from Lyon (FRA), was mentioned in recent weeks as a possible target to strengthen the Rubro-Negro squad. However, reality contradicts the speculation that had been circulating.

After Lyon’s win over FC St. Gallen (SUI) in a friendly last Saturday (11), Abner denied the rumors that had gained traction during his vacation in Brazil. In this way, the player stressed that no talks took place with the Rubro-Negro board and reaffirmed his commitment to preparations in France.

— To be honest, I neither spoke nor heard anything during the vacation. Some people were saying I was going to Brazil. Of course I did go, but to enjoy my vacation, not to join Flamengo. I was always focused on Lyon, I didn’t even speak to another club, I’m focused on the preparations here, I like working here -, he clarified in an interview with ‘Ouest-France’.

In addition, Abner also made a point of highlighting how happy he is with his current path in Europe, where he believes he has rediscovered his best technical form. Even in the face of early difficulties due to the physical demands of the French league, the adaptation happened satisfactorily.

IS THERE A CONNECTION WITH AGENTS?

It is known that Flamengo’s board, led by president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, ‘Bap’, and football director José Boto, has a great relationship with Hugo Garcia, Abner’s agent. The two parties even completed the transfer of Samuel Lino from Atlético de Madrid (ESP) last year.

However, that professional closeness did not lead to any real move for Abner. Flamengo did not make a formal offer for the player.

DID FLAMENGO RENEW A LEFT-BACK’S CONTRACT?

Meanwhile, Flamengo has advanced the contract renewal of Alex Sandro until December 2027. Ayrton Lucas, the other left-back in the squad, also remains in the coaching staff’s plans, with no offers for him to leave Gávea.

WHO EMERGES AS AN ALTERNATIVE?

Within the youth ranks, Johnny appears as an option at left-back. The 19-year-old, originally a center-back, has shown versatility and personality on the pitch.

During the mid-season training camp held in Portugal, the player took part in two matches and earned the trust of coach Leonardo Jardim. According to Coluna do Fla’s reporting, the youngster’s performance was very well received, showing that the academy can offer immediate solutions without high costs to the Rubro-Negro budget.

WHEN DOES THE TRANSFER WINDOW OPEN?

The transfer window runs from July 20 to September 11. José Boto confirmed, in an exclusive interview with Coluna do Fla, that the club is looking for three new players for the rest of the season.

However, the plan is to respect the club’s financial reality. The executive reinforced budget responsibility, ruling out any reckless spending. Therefore, the board is prioritizing signings within balanced parameters to maintain the club’s financial health.

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