Flamengo reached the decisive day on August 7, 2026, with the deadline to include new players in the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16 list. The expectation is that, without rapid progress in negotiations throughout the day, the Rio team will not present any news for the clashes against Cruzeiro, but this situation does not diminish interest in striker Luiz Henrique.
Conmebol regulations stipulate that clubs can make up to five changes to their registration lists. The limit for these changes is 6pm on the last working day before the week in which the round of 16 starts. As Flamengo has a duel scheduled with Cruzeiro for the 12th, at Mineirão, registration of new athletes ends today.
While Cruzeiro has already officially announced the arrival of six reinforcements — including left-back Rojas, midfielder Zé Lucas, midfielder Gabriel Pec (who was injured on his debut), and strikers Lucho Rodríguez, Wesley and João Costa — Flamengo, on the other hand, has not yet confirmed any new acquisitions. The probability, therefore, is that there will be no news for the next clash in the competition.
Despite the uncertainty about Luiz Henrique’s inclusion in time, Flamengo’s board sees the athlete as a strategic and long-term reinforcement, projecting his stay at the club for several years. For this reason, the team remains dedicated in negotiations, even if he cannot be registered for the round of 16. If the club advances to the quarterfinals, new exchange windows will be opened by the entity, allowing it to register.
Signing Luiz Henrique has been a long-time goal for Flamengo. Even before the negotiations with Botafogo, the attacker had already met with red-and-black directors in Spain and demonstrated approval for the project during the Rodolfo Landim administration. However, on that occasion, the club was unable to complete the purchase, and the rival presented a more financially robust proposal. Since then, the player has remained on the Rio team’s radar.
With the uncertainty regarding Almada, Flamengo’s management waited the stipulated period for the Argentine’s staff before redirecting their efforts. Boto, one of the directors, even went to Argentina to try to speed up the agreement, but without success. Statements made by him upon returning to Rio de Janeiro were not well received by Almada’s team, who maintained their waiting position. The priority positions requested by coach Leonardo Jardim were a midfield and a winger, and the evolution of Samuel Lino playing as number 10 paved the way for the club’s change of focus.
There was an expectation on Jardim’s part to be able to count on new talents during this period. Luiz Henrique, having been a starter in a Zenit game on August 5, 2026, would arrive in full physical condition, unlike Almada, who is on break.
The proposal currently being debated is around 30 million euros (equivalent to approximately R$178 million), with the addition of 5 million euros (around R$29 million) in bonuses, as provided for in the contract. All parties involved demonstrate optimism regarding a positive outcome. At the moment, Flamengo and Zenit are discussing payment terms, as the Russian club prefers the amount in cash, while the Brazilians aim for an installment payment in around three years.
Flamengo’s interest in Luiz Henrique is constant, but movements in the market intensified after Botafogo approached Zenit to offer Danilo. This movement caused other Brazilian clubs to also show interest. The Russian club was open to negotiating from the beginning, despite the high amounts requested, and Luiz Henrique’s immediate acceptance facilitated the progress of the talks.
