Flamengo hit wall in Beltrán chase | OneFootball

Flamengo’s pursuit of Lucas Beltrán has cooled as the Fiorentina striker reaffirmed his preference to remain in European football, according to Globo. Despite the Brazilian club’s willingness to meet Fiorentina’s €15 million asking price for the 24-year-old, Beltrán has shown no interest in returning to South America at this stage of his career.

Since talks began, Flamengo have attempted to persuade Beltrán, seeking a centre-forward with attributes distinct from those of Pedro. However, the Argentine forward—who arrived at Fiorentina in 2023 following spells with River Plate and Colón—remained unswayed throughout the negotiations and made it clear he is intent on continuing in Europe.

Sources at Globo indicate there were no impediments between the clubs on financial terms, but the decisive factor was Beltrán’s outlook. The striker, who moved from River Plate after Fiorentina paid €22.5 million last year, believes his time in European competition is still in its early phase and is not open to a move back across the Atlantic.

Beltrán registered 16 goals and seven assists across 98 appearances for Fiorentina. In the recent season, he scored six goals and provided five assists in 47 matches for the Italian side. His most prolific campaign remains his final year at River Plate, when he scored 17 times in 35 games.

While Flamengo continue to search for solutions in attack, especially options who differ stylistically from Pedro, their hopes of landing Beltrán now appear remote, given the player’s clear desire to extend his European career.

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