Flamengo let go of a wonderkid for free | OneFootball

Victor Hugo’s time at Flamengo has officially ended, as the midfielder leaves for Portuguese side Famalicão on a free transfer, according to Globo. The deal comes just two years after Flamengo turned down an offer in the region of R$107 million from Wolverhampton, opting instead to give their academy graduate more time at the club.

Having spent the last season on loan at Turkey’s Göztepe—the Turkish side linked to the same ownership group as Southampton, with whom Flamengo recently struck a deal for Alcaraz—Victor Hugo now makes the move to Portugal after a campaign that saw his role diminish. Flamengo will not receive an immediate transfer fee, but have retained 50% of the player’s economic rights in hopes of benefiting if Famalicão orchestrates a future sale.

Victor Hugo had previously been considered one of Flamengo’s most promising young players, winning both the Copa do Brasil and the Libertadores in 2022 and serving as a regular option off the bench under Jorge Sampaoli. However, his trajectory changed following a dip in form, criticism from fans, and reduced playing time after Tite took charge. Viewing a move to Europe as the best option to develop his career, Victor Hugo agreed to the Turkish loan last year; he made 35 appearances and scored three goals in his stint at Göztepe but found himself on the bench from March onwards. The Turkish club opted not to take up a purchase option.

The departure marks the end of a narrative arc marked by significant early promise, including that lucrative Premier League offer in 2022 that both club and player felt was poorly timed. Flamengo’s decision to let go without an immediate fee reflects how Victor Hugo’s stock has changed over two seasons, but by holding a stake in his rights, the Rio club keeps a vested interest in his future success.

Victor Hugo’s development now continues in the Portuguese top flight, with Famalicão providing him another opportunity to recapture the level that once made him the subject of major European interest.

(Source: Globo)

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