Flamengo targets Anthony Valencia to replace Gonzalo Plata

Anthony Valencia has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to complete the final steps of a move to Flamengo, where he could replace fellow Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata.

The 23-year-old winger currently plays for Royal Antwerp in Belgium. Flamengo has not officially announced the transfer because Valencia still needs to undergo medical examinations before signing his contract.

If the move goes through, Valencia will return to South American football after four seasons in Europe. Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that the deal is progressing and that Flamengo would pay about $5.8 million for the Ecuadorian.

Valencia joined Royal Antwerp in June 2022 from Independiente del Valle, where he completed much of his development. Physical problems restricted his early opportunities in Belgium, but he recovered his form late in the 2025-26 season and established himself in the team. His performances also earned him a return to Ecuador’s national squad and a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

He began the current season regularly for Royal Antwerp before the opportunity to join Flamengo emerged. Valencia has recorded 84 appearances, 13 goals and seven assists for the Belgian club. During his time there, he also won the Belgian league, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup in 2022-23 and 2023.