Flamengo and Bragantino in Tug of War over Defender Léo Ortiz: Behind the Scenes Negotiation Drama

Determined to sign defender Léo Ortiz, the Flamengo is extremely uncomfortable with Bragantino’s stance in the negotiations. The central issue is that the São Paulo team accepts selling it for 6.5 million euros to clubs abroad, but increases the price when Rubro-Negro is on the other side of the table. During the conversations, he even asked the locals for between 10 and 12 million (R$64.1 million) euros.

Letícia Marques brings behind the scenes of the negotiation between Léo Ortiz and Flamengo: “Tug of war”

Understanding that they have established a successful commercial relationship in recent years with transfers that brought financial and sporting returns to both parties, the Flamengo is irritated by Bragantino’s “rival” treatment, whereas a few months ago he was seen as a partner.

The last positive negotiation for the clubs and also for the player was the loan of Matheus Gonçalves, in September. The attacking midfielder helped Bragantino in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, gaining training for his return to Flamengo and his contract was renewed – the previous one ran until September 2025 and the new one expires only at the end of 2027.

The most successful deals involved defenders. In March 2021, upon realizing that Natan would not have space with Rogério Ceni, the Flamengo loaned him to Bragantino for R$5 million and with a goal (20 games with more than 45 minutes on the field) that would force the opponent to buy him for another R$22 million. The stipulation was reached in October of the same year, and the young man changed clubs permanently.

1 of 1 Léo Ortiz wants to wear the Flamengo shirt. Fabrício Bruno has already made the same move — Photo: Ari Ferreira/Red Bull Bragantino Léo Ortiz wants to wear the Flamengo shirt. Fabrício Bruno has already made the same move — Photo: Ari Ferreira/Red Bull Bragantino

In August 2023, having already played 104 games and three games for Bragantino, Natan was sold to Napoli for R$53 million, and the Flamengo, which maintained 12% of economic rights, took R$6.4 million. Another transfer in which all parties were satisfied.

In 2022, or Flamengo went to look for the most regular defender from last season in Bragantino. He paid R$15 million for Fabrício Bruno and obtained an immediate sporting return. Fabrício became an absolute starter in his first year, but a serious injury suffered in the Carioca decision made him end the season as a substitute. In 2023, however, he really stood out and never left the team.

Also in 2022, the Flamengo loaned left-back Ramon. Although the boy didn’t do well, it was an opportunity for the Bragança Paulista team as it was a red-and-black jewel. In any case, the short period of transfer guaranteed a bit of showcase for a player who would not be used in Rio and helped with the sale to Olympiacos, from Greece.

Last season showed that Bragantino is starting to compete for important titles, but the São Paulo team avoids such a label. The movement of making things difficult for a recent partner, however, indicates a change in attitude. This lack of dialogue with the Flamengo could make the locals make future negotiations difficult.

The tug of war continues, and Flamengo and Léo Ortiz will continue to push for them to play together in 2024. And it’s worth remembering: Rubro-Negro also wants Juninho Capixaba. Will the clubs remain partners, or will the relationship be permanently shaken? The next chapters will tell.

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2024-01-06 07:00:24
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