Flamengo have finally come to an agreement with São Paulo over the transfer of experienced midfielder Cléber Santana (31) – currently on-loan at Avaí.
The loan deal, starting in January 2013, will see young winger Negueba (20) join the Tricolor in exchange, with the possibility of a swap of 70% of the players’ ownerships.
Negueba, who was part of Brazil’s victorious Under-20 World Cup squad in 2011, will rejoin the side’s manager Ney Franco at the Morumbi, in a squad already brimming with talent such as Luis Fabiano, Jadson and now Ganso.
The move completes a busy couple of days in the transfer market for São Paulo, following the loan moves of four Desportivo Brasil prospects and the signing of Ganso, although the deal involving Negueba must wait until the new year.
There will, though, be questions asked – once more – of Flamengo’s transfer policy, with a young player once more surrendered in order to obtain a player in the later stages of their career.
Earlier this summer, the Rubro-Negro authorised the transfer of Ibson from São Paulo, which saw them surrender Brazil Under-20 full-back Galhardo, as well as centre-back David Braz.
Whilst it is clear that Flamengo need to strengthen, there will doubtless be those who question whether it is best practise to hand-over the club’s best prospects as part of transfer dealings.
