Andreas Pereira hopes he can still secure a permanent move to Flamengo, despite reports suggesting the deal could collapse due to financial problems at the Brazilian club.
Flamengo’s club chiefs were thought to have negotiated a smaller fee for the midfielder and they have yet to confirm whether the deal will go ahead as planned, as per Manchester Evening News.
Following a mistake in the Copa Libertadores final last year, Pereira has found himself out of favour under Paulo Sousa, who became manager in February.
So, it’s been a mixed bag for Pereira at Flamengo, but at least he was getting regular game time and enjoying his football again. He also sounds like a player with something to prove to his new manager.
Pereira is still pushing to get his move to Flamengo.
“I have a contract until June and I will always do my best for Flamengo. I’m focused and positive for whatever comes,” Pereira told Globo Esporte.
“I just want to thank the fans, the teammates, and everything they are doing for me and have done. It was really difficult, very difficult after the final, but it’s something that inside me I’ve always overcome. I’ve already put it back and I’m looking forward more calmly. I’m sure I have enough quality to reverse this situation.”
Pereira added: “I don’t pay much attention to these things, but everyone knows that I prioritised Flamengo. Everyone in the club knows this. It’s hard for me to talk about my own value, but a Manchester United player for 10 million euros… Should I be cheaper? I’m doing my best, but I can’t say if it’s too expensive or cheap.
“I’m calm and focused. I know there’s this indecision. I also have to talk about it with the people close to me, and on the pitch I’m calm. I know it can be resolved in a month, at the end before I leave, but I’m calm and always thinking about the next game.
“I came to Flamengo to show my football and I will show a lot more. Of course, the disappointment of not having won the titles remains, for sure, but I always tried to show my value on the pitch and the fans recognised it. I always told my friends and Flamengo that I always prioritised them, and that Flamengo is very important to me.”
Sport Witness previously reported on a report from Jorge Nicola, claiming ‘there are important people on the red and black board (Flamengo) who’re working behind the scenes so the agreement is called off.’
It would be a shock to see Pereira return to United next season because he clearly isn’t good enough for a side that hopes to challenge for the Premier League again one day.
Hopefully Flamengo can come up with the funds required to complete a move for Pereira.