Bournemouth have a chance to hijack Flamengo’s €30m (£26m) move for Thiago Almada after entering the race for the Atlético Madrid player.
The Brazilian club have spent recent weeks leading the chase for the Argentina international. They have already submitted a substantial proposal and made progress on the financial side of the deal.
Almada has yet to give Flamengo his final approval, though, and his preference has been to remain in European football. And that hesitation has now left the door open for Bournemouth.
Italian journalist Marco Mampreso reports the Cherries have made an enquiry about the attacking midfielder. They have reportedly monitored him since January.
Mampreso says Bournemouth possess the financial resources needed to challenge Flamengo’s proposal, which is worth close to €30m (£26m).
No formal offer has arrived from the Premier League club so far. Flamengo therefore remain the favourites to complete the transfer.
Flamengo had been leading the race
Thiago Almada has attracted interest from Flamengo and River Plate during the summer, but the Brazilian side have moved into a much stronger position.
UOL journalist Bruno Braz reported that Flamengo had presented the best proposal to both Atlético Madrid and the player’s representatives.
Their package is worth around €30m (£26m), while River Plate’s offer was placed closer to €20m (£17.3m).
Flamengo are also offering more favourable payment terms. Atlético would receive the money across fewer instalments than under River’s proposal. Those conditions have reportedly pleased Almada’s representatives.
The Brazilian club therefore believe the situation is favourable, although their negotiations have yet to reach a complete agreement.
Almada wants to continue playing in Europe. That has been the biggest remaining obstacle for Flamengo.
Until the final week of the World Cup, however, the midfielder had not received an attractive official offer from a European club. That allowed Flamengo to move ahead while waiting for the player to make his decision.
Bournemouth can change the situation
Thiago Almada’s preference gives Bournemouth a clear opportunity, despite Flamengo remaining ahead at present. The Cherries can offer the Argentine the chance to stay in Europe and move to the Premier League.
They would still need to turn their enquiry into a serious bid. Flamengo already have their offer on the table and appear satisfied with the progress made.
Almada is expected to take a short holiday following the World Cup. He will then meet his representatives and provide Flamengo with an answer.
So Bournemouth’s timing is significant. The Premier League club have appeared just as Flamengo were starting to feel they had a relatively clear path towards the transfer.
Almada arrives at this decision after making 40 appearances for Atlético Madrid last season. He scored four goals and registered two assists. The 25-year-old also represented Argentina five times at the World Cup and performed well as they reached the final.
Flamengo still hold the advantage because they have already made a proposal and established the basis of an agreement.
Bournemouth now have a chance to disrupt the move, especially when remaining in Europe is still Almada’s preferred outcome.
