Flamengo is leading the Brasileirão with 79 points (23 wins, 10 draws, and 5 losses in 38 games) and now aims for a big signing: Thiago Almada. According to GE, the club has a strategy to try to sign the Argentine midfielder, who recently saw River Plate back out due to financial difficulties in paying the 20 million euros (R$117 million) to Atlético de Madrid.

What happened with River Plate?

River Plate had approached Almada but faced difficulties in guaranteeing payment to Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine club offered 20 million euros for 50% of the player's rights but couldn't provide the guarantees required by the U.S. bank that financed Almada's purchase by Atlético in July 2025. Flamengo, on the other hand, can offer the guarantees and wants to close the deal in fewer installments.

Why does Flamengo have an advantage?

In June, Flamengo had already made an offer for Almada, which was rejected because the player wanted to stay in Europe. However, with no market in major European clubs, the midfielder began considering a return to South American football. Flamengo, leading the Brasileirão with a 3-point lead over Palmeiras, has financial strength and is willing to negotiate directly with Atlético de Madrid.

What's next for Flamengo?

Almada arrived at Botafogo in July 2024 and won the Brazilian championship and Libertadores that year. In January 2025, he was loaned to Lyon before being sold to Atlético de Madrid. In Spain, he played 40 games, scored 4 goals, and provided 2 assists. Now, Flamengo hopes to finalize the negotiation before the next match against São Paulo on July 26, when the team will aim to maintain its lead in the championship.