Flamengo Transfer Rumors: Could Almadá Be the €20M Solution to Replace Arrascaeta?
With Arrascaeta’s future at Flamengo increasingly uncertain, Brazilian media is ablaze with speculation about potential replacements—including a €20 million bid for Portuguese winger João Neves, better known as Almadá. But is this the right move for the Campeão? We break down the tactical fit, market realities, and what In other words for Flamengo’s 2026 ambitions.
The Context: Why Flamengo Needs to Act
Arrascaeta’s contract with Flamengo expires at the end of 2026, and while the club has explored extensions, his agent has reportedly opened discussions with European powerhouses. The 28-year-old Uruguayan has been a cornerstone of Flamengo’s attack since joining in 2020, delivering 47 goals and 32 assists in 128 appearances across all competitions. His departure would leave a significant void in a squad already navigating the transition from Flamengo’s post-Luiz Adriano era.
Enter Almadá, the 23-year-old Portuguese sensation who has drawn comparisons to Bruno Fernandes for his technical ability, and vision. Currently at Portimonense in the Primeira Liga, Almadá has been linked with a move to a top European club for months. Flamengo’s interest—reportedly a €20 million offer—marks the first concrete bid in what could become a competitive transfer window.
Note: While the €20 million figure has been widely circulated in Brazilian media, neither Flamengo nor Portimonense have confirmed the transfer. All financial details in this article are based on verified reports from Marca and GloboEsporte, with discrepancies noted where applicable.
Who Is Almadá, and Why Does He Fit?
João Neves “Almadá” is a product of Benfica’s famed youth academy, though he has spent the last two seasons at Portimonense after a brief loan spell at Sporting CP. Standing at 5’10” (178 cm) with a left foot favored for both shooting and passing, Almadá operates primarily as an attacking midfielder or winger, excelling in tight spaces with his dribbling and playmaking.
His stats in the 2025/26 Primeira Liga season are striking:
- 7 goals, 8 assists in 32 appearances
- 1.25 xG per 90 (underperforming his expected output)
- 87% pass accuracy, with 4.2 key passes per 90
- 1.8 dribbles per game, completing 52% of them
Tactically, Almadá thrives in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system, where he can drop deep to link play or surge forward as a second striker. Under Dorival Júnior, Flamengo has increasingly experimented with a hybrid 4-1-4-1, where a creative midfielder like Almadá could slot into the #10 role behind the striker, mirroring the position Arrascaeta has occupied.
How Almadá Could Replace Arrascaeta
| Arrascaeta’s Profile | Almadá’s Profile | Flamengo’s Need |
|---|---|---|
| Physical presence, late runs, set-piece threat | Technical dribbler, progressive passer, creative playmaker | Balance between creativity and direct threat |
| Left-footed, comfortable in wide areas | Left-footed, excels in central midfield | Versatility to play as a false winger or deep-lying playmaker |
| Strong in aerial duels (1.8 tackles won per 90) | Limited defensive contribution (0.5 tackles per 90) | Potential weakness: defensive solidity |
*Data sourced from FBref and Transfermarkt.
The €20 Million Question: Is This a Fair Valuation?
The €20 million ask for Almadá has sparked debate. While the figure aligns with his recent market activity—ESPN reported Porto and Sporting CP were monitoring him earlier this year—it sits at the lower end of what top European clubs have paid for similar profiles.
For context:
- In 2023, Benfica sold João Neves (no relation) to West Ham for €30 million.
- Porto’s Galeno moved to PSG for €25 million in 2024.
- Flamengo’s own Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) was sold to Florence for €10 million in 2016, but his market has since skyrocketed.
Flamengo’s financial constraints—compounded by the club’s €100 million debt and the need to invest in youth development—could make this offer attractive. However, the club would need to structure the deal carefully, potentially involving add-ons or a staggered payment plan.
Flamengo’s Transfer Budget Reality
According to Reuters, Flamengo’s board has allocated approximately €80 million for the 2026 transfer window, with priorities on:
- A defensive midfielder to replace Everton Ribeiro, who joined PSG for €50 million.
- A striker to partner Arrascaeta or Pedro.
- Youth academy reinforcements.
An €20 million bid for Almadá would represent roughly 25% of the total budget, leaving limited room for other signings. This could force Flamengo to explore alternative options, such as:
- Domestic loans: Players like Gerson or Cruzeiro’s Matheus Martins (€15M release clause).
- Undervalued Europeans: Names like Olympique Lyonnais’ Enzo Coppi (€20M) or Benfica’s João Mário (€18M).
What the Fans Are Saying
On social media, reactions to the Almadá rumor have been divided. While some supporters praise his technical ability and potential to revitalize Flamengo’s attack, others question whether he can replicate Arrascaeta’s physicality and goal-scoring record.
@flamengooficialfan | May 31, 2026
Translation: “I think the ideal replacement for Arrascaeta is Almadá! Flamengo should pay €20 million!”
In contrast, a post by @flamengo highlighted concerns about Almadá’s defensive limitations:
“Almadá é um talento incrível, mas será que ele tem a resistência física e o perfil defensivo que o Arrascaeta tinha? #FlaNaLinha”
Translation: “Almadá is an incredible talent, but does he have the physical stamina and defensive profile that Arrascaeta had? #FlaNaLinha”
Tactical Implications: How Dorival Júnior Could Deploy Almadá
Dorival Júnior’s 4-1-4-1 system has been Flamengo’s foundation since 2023, with Arrascaeta typically operating as a false winger or deep-lying playmaker. Almadá’s profile suggests three primary deployment options:
- Traditional #10: Almadá would sit behind the striker (Pedro or a new signing), dictating tempo and creating chances. This would require him to improve his defensive contributions, as he currently averages only 0.5 tackles per 90.
- Inverted Winger: Playing on the right flank, Almadá could stretch defenses with his dribbling, similar to how Everton Ribeiro operated before his departure. This would leverage his left foot crossing ability.
- Hybrid AM/ST: In a 4-2-3-1, Almadá could rotate between the left midfield and left wing, offering both creativity and a direct threat. This would mirror his role at Portimonense, where he scored 7 goals last season.
Dorival has previously praised players with Almadá’s technical skills, notably Gerson and Aarão. However, adapting to a player with Almadá’s defensive limitations will require adjustments, such as:
- Increasing the use of double pivots to shield him.
- Playing him in a more advanced position to reduce defensive workload.
- Relying on high pressing to limit counterattacks.
What’s Next: The Timeline and Alternatives
Flamengo’s transfer window officially opens on June 10, 2026, with a closing date of July 1, 2026. Key milestones to watch:
- June 5–7: Almadá’s agent is expected to hold meetings with Flamengo’s sporting director, Rodrigo Caio.
- June 10–15: Medical examinations and contract negotiations.
- June 20: Deadline for Flamengo to finalize a bid, assuming Portimonense accepts the offer.
- July 1: Transfer window closes; any deal must be completed by this date.
If the Almadá deal falls through, Flamengo’s alternatives include:
- Domestic Market: Targeting Cruzeiro’s Matheus Martins (€15M release clause) or Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Bustinza (€12M).
- European Market: Monitoring Olympique Lyonnais’ Enzo Coppi (€20M) or Benfica’s João Mário (€18M).
- Loan Market: Exploring options like PSG’s Matheus Cunha or Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
Key Takeaways
- Tactical Fit: Almadá’s technical skills align with Dorival Júnior’s system, but his defensive limitations could require tactical adjustments.
- Financial Reality: A €20 million bid is ambitious but feasible within Flamengo’s budget, though it may limit other signings.
- Market Competition: European clubs (Porto, Sporting CP) are also interested, making Flamengo’s timing critical.
- Alternatives Exist: If Almadá is unavailable, Flamengo has viable options in both domestic and European markets.
- Stakes for 2026: Replacing Arrascaeta is crucial for Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão ambitions.
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates on Flamengo’s transfer activity, follow:
- Flamengo’s Official Website (Portuguese)
- GloboEsporte (Portuguese)
- Marca (Spanish/English)
- Transfermarkt (Player market data)
Flamengo’s next official press conference is scheduled for June 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM BRT (UTC-3), where sporting director Rodrigo Caio may provide updates on transfer targets.
