Why Flamengo refuse to give up on Pedro | OneFootball

Pedro’s future at Flamengo is again drawing scrutiny, with speculation on his potential exit circulating across the Brazilian football media, according to Lance. The club, however, has publicly clarified its stance, stating it has no intention of transferring any squad member seen as part of its core plans. Nevertheless, questions about Pedro’s commitment to Flamengo have surfaced repeatedly since his arrival.

Signed from Fiorentina in late 2020 for €14 million (R$87 million at the time), Pedro has been a consistent contributor, playing 280 matches and recording 140 goals with 35 assists. His performances, which earned him spots in the national team, have long attracted attention from Brazilian and European clubs.

Interest from Palmeiras first tested Flamengo’s resolve in 2022, when the São Paulo side offered €20 million (R$110.4 million) for the striker. Club president Rodolfo Landim swiftly rejected the approach, reaffirming that Pedro was not for sale. That same year, following an altercation with then fitness coach Pablo Fernández, Pedro requested to leave. Sevilla, Fulham, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Zenit, and Benfica all monitored his situation, but Flamengo maintained a clear directive: Pedro would only depart if the release clause was met.

The turning point came in 2023 when Saudi side Al Hilal reportedly proposed a salary for Pedro six times his Flamengo deal. The striker declined, choosing to remain in Brazil. Zenit again showed interest, as did Nottingham Forest in 2024 with a formal €20 million (R$122 million) bid. Flamengo considered the offer well below its valuation.

Pedro’s momentum was notably interrupted by a serious injury—a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee—which sidelined him for seven months. He returned to first-team action in April. In 2024, he has so far participated in 17 matches, notching five goals and three assists. Despite a reduced role since recovering, the club’s technical staff continue to express confidence in his abilities, and Pedro himself has not asked to leave.

Flamengo underscore that Pedro remains part of their strategy as the team leads the Brasileiro, and contests the knockout rounds of both Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. He remains in training and is seen as key to their ambitions in a crucial stage of the campaign.

Both club and player appear aligned for now, but his history of attracting offers suggests the speculation is unlikely to disappear altogether.

(Source: Lance)

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