Flamengo sign Ecuadorian forward Anthony Valencia to replace Gonzalo Plata

Anthony Valencia has joined Flamengo with a six-year contract and a clear assignment: fill the space left by fellow Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata, who moved to Dynamo Moscow during the transfer window.

The 23-year-old forward arrived from Belgium’s Royal Antwerp and will wear Flamengo’s number 14 shirt. The club did not disclose the transfer fee, although Brazilian media reported a figure close to 5 million euros.

“I hope to be on the field soon and have the support of the fans. I will give my best to bring the club many joys. You can count on me,” Valencia said.

Valencia developed at Independiente del Valle before moving to Royal Antwerp in 2022. He scored 13 goals and supplied four assists there, performances that brought him into contention for Ecuador’s national team and earned him a place in the squad for the most recent World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Flamengo are also expected to complete the signing of Argentine forward Joaquín Freitas from River Plate in the coming days, according to Brazilian media. The Rio de Janeiro club is pursuing two major trophies again. It sits second in the Brasileirao, four points behind Palmeiras with a game in hand, and will meet Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals for a place in the last four.

“

I hope to be on the field soon and have the support of the fans. I will give my best to bring the club many joys. You can count on me