Flamengo close to sealing €5 million Valencia deal as deadline looms

Flamengo are a few steps away from confirming 21‑year‑old Ecuadorian striker Anthony Valencia, with the player slated to land in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (1 January). The transfer is valued at roughly €5 million, equivalent to R$ 31.6 million, and would give the Rubro‑Negro full economic rights.

Negotiations have accelerated in the past few hours, and both clubs are now polishing the remaining contractual details. Representatives from Flamengo and Royal Antwerp are exchanging the necessary paperwork to finalise the move.

The Ecuadorian forward is expected to undergo his medical examination and sign his contract on Monday, the same day he arrives in Rio. Com the clubs finalising paperwork, the deal looks set to be completed within hours.

Financial terms and future clause

The fee is reported at approximately €5 million, which translates to R$ 31.6 million at the current exchange rate. Flamengo will acquire 100 percent of Valencia’s economic rights, while Royal Antwerp will retain a 15 percent sell‑on clause, entitling them to a share of any future profit.

Valencia’s absence from Royal Antwerp’s Belgian Championship match against Sint-Truiden on Sunday (30) raised eyebrows. He had been a regular starter until that fixture, and his omission was interpreted as a signal that the transfer was imminent.

Libertadores deadline and squad impact

Flamengo must register Valencia by 4 September to be eligible for the Libertadores quarter‑finals. The club is therefore rushing to complete the medical, contract and registration processes so the striker can feature in the continental knockout stage.

The signing gains urgency after the departure of Gonzalo Plata to Dynamo Moscow, which left a void in Leonardo Jardim’s attacking line‑up. Valencia is now viewed as a priority to broaden the team’s offensive options during this decisive phase of the season.

Both sides express optimism that the remaining formalities will be settled in the coming hours, paving the way for the 21‑year‑old to join the Rubro‑Negro and potentially appear on the Libertadores roster.