“Christmas Gift”: Flamengo announces De La Cruz, who arrives from River Plate for R$80 million

Nicolás De La Cruz is 26 years old and can play different tactical roles, as a second midfielder, playmaker or wide open on the side of the field.

Rio de Janeiro – RJ) – Flamengo officially announced the signing of Nicolás De La Cruz, midfielder from River Plate-ARG, this Sunday (24). Rubro-Negro paid the Uruguayan’s termination fine, worth US$16 million (R$79.1 million), making it the fourth biggest acquisition in the club’s history. On social media, the club confirmed the player’s arrival as a “Christmas gift” to fans.

“Don’t you already know, Nation? The biggest fans in the world deserve all the gifts! De La Cruz is ours”,

wrote the Flamengo profile.

De La Cruz was a long-time desire of the Flamengo board, who already tried to sign him in the last transfer window, in the middle of 2023. At that time, River Plate toughened the negotiations, as they did not want to “reinforce” a rival in the dispute for the title. Libertadores title. Rubro-Negro chose not to pay the termination fine at the time.

Nicolás De La Cruz is 26 years old and can play different tactical roles, as a second midfielder, playmaker or wide open on the side of the field. The Uruguayan was one of River Plate’s main highlights in recent seasons. Defending the Argentine club, he was champion of the 2018 Libertadores, as well as two-time Argentine champion. Arrascaeta’s teammate on the Uruguayan national team, the midfielder has already played in 25 matches with the Celeste shirt.