The bizarre reason Flamengo will not sign Andreas Pereira from Man United

Man United midfielder Andreas Pereira looks set to return to the club this summer following the completion of his loan deal with Brazilian giants Flamengo.

The 26-year-old was previously expected to stay in his homeland beyond this season. However, the deal now appears to be off.

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Pereira is under contract until June 2023. That means he would still have a season to impress United chiefs – or be sold to another club.

How has Andreas Pereira performed at Flamengo?

When Andreas Pereira left Man United to join Flamengo on a season-long loan deal, the move was expected to be pivotal for his career.

The midfielder impressed in spells at United but could never produce a consistent level of form. He spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Serie A side Lazio, making 26 appearances.

Pereira made 18 appearances for Flamengo in the 2021 Brazilian Serie A campaign. He scored five goals and provided one assist.

The Brazilian midfielder was highly impressive throughout his early days at the club. Brazilian football expert Elton Serra called him “the complete player within the context of Brazilian football” (quote via Manchester Evening News).

Pereira helped Flamengo to the final of the prestigious Copa Libertadores competition. However, they lost 2-1 to Palmeiras. The Man United midfielder made a mistake in the build-up to the opposition’s second goal.

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Read more: Andreas Pereira tarnishes Flamengo loan spell with mistake

Since then, times have been slightly more challenging for Pereira at Flamengo.

Why are Flamengo not purchasing Andreas Pereira?

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In February, The Athletic reported that Flamengo had agreed to purchase Andreas Pereira from Man United for a fee of €10.5 million. However, the deal now appears to be off.

Brazilian outlet Esporte are reporting that two main factors form the basis of Flamengo’s decision.

The first is related to playing time. In the club’s seven games since their Copa Libertadores defeat in November, Pereira has made just two appearances. In addition, he has not played in any of their opening three games of this season, failing to make the squad on two occasions.

The other reason, however, is slightly more complicated. Part of the original deal to sign Pereira from Man United, it is reported, was to agree to the transfer of 75% of the player’s economic rights. Such an agreement is common in Brazil.

However, Esporte claim that a “legal complication” has stopped the move in its tracks. The complication relates to Flamengo and Brazil’s Central Bank. It would reportedly cause the club to pay R$100 million (around £16.4 million) more for Pereira than the original transfer fee. The same report does claim that there is still a belief amongst some Flamengo officials that the move could be done.

However, as it stands, the Brazilian is now set to return to Old Trafford. This summer could be a crucial one in deciding his long-term footballing future.

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