Everton has completed the signing of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo on a permanent deal, activating the purchase option from his loan. The Premier League club paid €15 million (approximately R$96 million) for the 21-year-old Argentine midfielder. The deal could also include up to €3 million (R$19 million) in add-ons based on performance and team success.
Everton had until the end of May to exercise the purchase clause and chose to do so after finalizing personal terms with Alcaraz just before the deadline. Contract details are expected to be finalized soon, concluding Alcaraz`s brief tenure at Flamengo, which lasted less than a year.
Alcaraz initially joined Flamengo in August 2023 for a fee reported around $20 million (approximately R$110 million then), making him one of the club`s most expensive signings at the time. During his time in Rio, he played 19 competitive matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Despite showing potential at times, he failed to secure a consistent starting position and was eventually loaned out to Everton.
Since joining Everton, Alcaraz has made 17 appearances, starting seven games. The permanent transfer was not mandatory based on his usage; the original loan agreement required nine league starts for the obligation clause to activate, a target he did not meet. Nevertheless, Everton chose to make the transfer permanent. The add-ons Flamengo could receive are tied to factors like Alcaraz`s Premier League starts and Everton`s qualification for European tournaments, especially the Champions League.
This sale further illustrates Flamengo`s business approach, which increasingly relies on developing players and transferring them abroad for significant fees. The club has recently managed other high-profile transfers, constantly trying to balance financial strength with building a competitive squad.
For Flamengo, the fee from Alcaraz`s sale provides a financial boost but also creates a gap in their midfield depth, especially considering ongoing domestic competitions and their upcoming participation in the Club World Cup. The club`s transfer window strategy will be crucial as they aim to strengthen the squad after a tough schedule and a recent campaign where injuries highlighted the need for greater depth.
