Everton’s €15m gamble leaves Flamengo searching for answers | OneFootball

Everton have confirmed the purchase of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo, exercising their option to make the midfielder's loan move permanent. The Premier League side paid €15 million—around R$96 million by current exchange rates—to secure the 21-year-old Argentine, with the agreement also including up to €3 million (R$19 million) in conditional bonuses linked to individual and club achievements.

The English club had until the end of May to trigger the purchase clause, which they ultimately decided to do after agreeing personal terms with Alcaraz in the final days before the deadline. Contract formalities are expected to be completed shortly, bringing an end to Flamengo’s association with the midfielder after less than a year.

Alcaraz joined Flamengo in August 2023 as the club's most expensive signing in history, arriving for $20 million (R$110 million by the rates at that time). During his stint in Rio de Janeiro, the midfielder appeared in 19 competitive matches, contributing three goals and two assists. Despite flashes of promise, he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and was subsequently loaned out.

At Everton, Alcaraz has made 17 appearances so far, starting seven times. Although his usage didn’t make the permanent deal obligatory—the original terms required him to start nine league matches, a threshold he didn’t reach—the English club nevertheless opted in. The additional bonus payments due to Flamengo will depend on factors including Alcaraz’s number of Premier League starts and whether Everton qualify for major European competitions, particularly the Champions League.

This sale is yet another example of Flamengo’s business model, which has grown increasingly reliant on developing and transferring talent abroad for sizable fees. The club recently navigated some high-profile arrivals and exits, continually seeking to balance financial power with squad competitiveness.

For Flamengo, the Alcaraz fee will boost financial resources but also leaves a gap in midfield depth, especially with ongoing domestic challenges and an upcoming Club World Cup appearance on the horizon. The club's strategy in the upcoming transfer window remains to be seen, as they look to reinforce after a demanding run of fixtures and a group stage campaign in which squad depth was tested by injuries.

Source: Globo