Even though recent reports from the English media claimed that Manchester United turned down Flamengo’s first bid for the permanent move of Andreas Pereira, the word in Brazil is a little different.
According to a report from Globo Esporte, since submitting an offer for the midfielder last week, the Rio de Janeiro side are still to get an answer from the Red Devils.
Flamengo had an option to buy Pereira for €20m, and placed a bid of only €8m.
Now despite the big gap between those numbers, it’s claimed there’s still optimism from the Rubro Negro for a positive outcome, because regardless of a low amount, they believe they have the right arguments to convince Manchester United.
It’s said there are three points that should help Flamengo. The first is that there’ll be only one year left on Pereira’s contract with Manchester United by the end of this loan spell, so the Premier League side are expected to have difficulties to relocate the midfielder in the summer, as he’ll be edging towards a free exit.
The other argument is said to be the Red Devils’ poor season. It’s claimed the club should be ‘more aggressive’ in the next transfer window, and the Brazilian side believe that accelerating the exits will help their planning and Financial Fair Play.
And according to Globo Esporte, the final argument is Andreas Pereira’s wish. It’s said the player has already told Manchester United that he wants to stay in Rio, and Flamengo now expect this to ‘make the difference’ in the talks.
There’s still a ‘natural expectation’ that a counteroffer will be made, but the Rubro Negro believe €8m is a reasonable price for now.
