Flamengo send clear message to Europe over star defender | OneFootball

Flamengo have turned down a €15 million proposal from RB Leipzig for centre-back Léo Ortiz, according to Globo. The offer, structured as €12 million up front with an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses, was swiftly rejected by the Rio club as the European transfer window enters its closing phase.

The approach from Leipzig comes as little surprise. Ortiz spent five years with Red Bull Bragantino—the Brazilian operation under the same Red Bull ownership umbrella as Leipzig—before moving to Flamengo last year. Despite this connection and persistent scouting, the Bundesliga side were unable to persuade Flamengo’s management, led by executive director José Boto, to part with the 29-year-old defender.

Boto’s response left no ambiguity: Flamengo do not intend to weaken their core squad at this decisive point in the season, even with a transfer fee that would have neared R$100 million. This stance aligns with the club’s broader ambition, as Flamengo pursue title challenges on multiple fronts. Their recent transfer activity has been marked by significant arrivals rather than sales, with the club strengthening through signings such as Saúl Ñíguez and Jorge Carrascal—transactions that underscore firm financial footing revealed in the club’s latest accounts.

On the pitch, Ortiz has established himself as a mainstay. In just over a year with Flamengo, he has featured 74 times, scoring six goals and supplying four assists. He has already tasted success, contributing to back-to-back Campeonato Carioca titles, as well as Copa do Brasil and Supercopa triumphs. His reliability at the back also earned him call-ups to Brazil’s squad over the last three World Cup qualifying windows.

For Leipzig, the move was not just about reacquiring a player familiar with the Red Bull philosophy, but also addressing defensive needs with an experienced, in-form option. However, Flamengo’s current priorities reflect their place at the Brasileirão summit and their intent to retain key players deep into what could become a silverware-laden season.

The immediate rejection of Leipzig’s offer suggests negotiations could resume if the German side increase their bid, yet there is little indication Flamengo’s position will soften before the window shuts. It is another clear example of the club’s current stature: no longer a seller by necessity, but now able to resist aggressive European interest in its leading players.

(Source: Globo)

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