According to multiple reports from South America, Flamengo is actively pursuing the signing of Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz.
The 21-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan with Juventus and appears poised to depart Southampton in the near future.
Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo reports that Flamengo is currently in ‘advanced negotiations’ with the Saints to secure Alcaraz’s transfer. Progress is being made between the two clubs, with Flamengo planning to include Victor Hugo as part of the agreement.
Providing further details, journalist André Hernan from UOL states that the Brazilian club is ‘close to a financial agreement’ with Southampton for the Argentine player. The proposed deal involves Flamengo offering €18 million plus an additional player in exchange for Alcaraz.
Initially, Southampton, under manager Russell Martin, had set Alcaraz’s price at €25 million, a figure considered too steep by Flamengo. Negotiations have gained momentum after Southampton expressed willingness to accept a player as part of the deal, with Victor Hugo expected to move in the opposite direction.
“It’s shaping up to be a deal where Flamengo pays Southampton €18 million in installments and includes a player, likely Victor Hugo,” Hernan explained. “Negotiations are progressing well, but nothing has been finalized yet.”
Hernan also mentioned that the success of the transfer depends on the player’s approval. “Ultimately, it’s up to Alcaraz to agree, but from what I’ve heard, that shouldn’t pose much of a problem. He understands the stature of Flamengo and what the club has to offer.”
“The remaining issues involve finalizing the installment payments and confirming which player will join Southampton. The negotiation had been stalled but is now back on track and moving forward smoothly,” he added.
Neither César Luis Merlo nor André Hernan have indicated whether the 20-year-old Victor Hugo is agreeable to joining the Premier League side as part of this transfer deal.