Xeka’s businessman denies Flamengo’s interest; Steering wheel was announced at Al Saad

Xeka at Flamengo?

Portuguese midfielder Xeka, who had been free on the market since leaving Rennes in France, had many rumors linking him to a possible transfer to Brazilian football, mainly to Flamengo.

Since the end of last season, the European has been talked about as a possible reinforcement for Brazilian clubs. In addition to Rubro-Negro, the steering wheel was also commented on Vasco da Gama and also at Corinthians.

Now, he has a new home and will be able to continue his career. The 29-year-old athlete was announced as the new reinforcement for Al Sadd, from Qatar, and will begin training with his team, aiming to improve his physical conditioning.

There, Xeka will meet Matheus Uribe and Gonzalo Plata, former FC Porto and Sporting athletes. Xeka’s representative told the RTI Esporte portal that he was never approached for a transfer to Rubro-Negro.

Staff denies conversations

“We are never approached by Flamengo. There was no conversation with any club director or representative. We are talking to a European team for him to get back into the ball market,” he said.

Xeka was looking for a new club to recover from a serious injury to his right ankle. Since he was injured, he hasn’t been able to find a destination for career opportunities and now he has.

Before arriving in Qatar, the player was in Lisbon, where he dealt with the discomfort in the region. Xeka was strongly linked to Corinthiansbut largely due to physical issues, there was no consensus.

In addition to Brazilian football, the midfielder had his future discussed in clubs in Germany, Spain, England and Italy, but nothing progressed. Now, he will be able to continue his career, with a new contract.

A midfielder is seen as important during the Copa América period, for a strong run in Brazilian football. The tendency is for Fla to lose their entire midfield formed by Pulgar, Nico de La Cruz and Arrascaeta.

Arrascaeta and Pulgar injuries

For the midfield role, Tite has the following players at Flamengo: Erick Pulgar, Allan, Igor Jesus, Gerson, Nicolás de la Cruz and Victor Hugo. In fact, Flamengo agrees to sell Victor Hugo and another member of Tite’s squad.

Flamengo reported earlier this week that a test revealed a “small injury” to the Arrascaeta’s right thigh after the defeat to Botafogo. In addition, there was a sprain in Pulgar’s left ankle, which was replaced at half-time.

Arrascaeta should only return in the next Libertadores match, against Palestino, on May 7th. Pulgar will need at least two weeks of recovery, so he should miss the next four games.

Thus, the Uruguayan would miss Flamengo against Amazonas, in the Copa do Brasil, and Bragantino, in the Brasileirão. Pulgar could be out against Palestino, Corinthians and Bolívar), and only return against Vasco, on May 18th.