Flamengo has retaken a strategy of making more contracts 'de scout', which involves searching for players without a big name but with sufficient potential to stand out. This was the promise made with the arrival of director José Boto, which was overshadowed by the choice of making high investments, mainly in Lucas Paquetá.
The signings of Anthony Valencia and Joaquín Freitas are part of this new strategy. Valencia will use the number that was Arrascaeta's, while Freitas is a former River Plate player. The club prioritized players with no more than 25 years old, thinking about long-term planning to rejuvenate the squad and a potential future sale.
The signings were made after some failed negotiations, including with Thiago Almada, who was a priority target. The club recalculated its ideas after a process of internal evaluation. The players' willingness to join Flamengo was a key factor in the negotiations, as they were clear with their old clubs about their desire to play for the Rio de Janeiro-based team.
The signings of Valencia and Freitas are expected to bring a new dynamic to the team, with the players looking to establish themselves in the Brazilian league.