Flamengo Make Late Move to Sign Emerson Royal from AC Milan

Flamengo have made a last-minute move to sign Emerson Royal, challenging Besiktas just as the Turkish club appeared close to completing the deal for the AC Milan right-back.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan and Besiktas had already reached a verbal agreement for Emerson Royal’s transfer. A medical was scheduled in Turkey, and the transfer would have seen Besiktas take Emerson on loan for the 2025-26 season with a €10 million option to buy. However, Flamengo have now moved in with a new offer, making direct contact with both Milan and the player. With Flamengo’s move, reports suggest that Besiktas may pull out of the race, allowing the Brazilian club to proceed with negotiations. Emerson is reportedly open to returning home and is encouraged by Flamengo’s proposal, which was submitted on July 23.

TRANSFER BATTLE AND SEASON CONTEXT

Emerson Royal joined Milan in the summer of 2024 but has struggled to make the right-back spot his own, making only 26 appearances last season. Milan finished 8th in Serie A, failing to qualify for European football. Meanwhile, Besiktas endured a disappointing 2024-25 Super Lig season, finishing 5th in the table and missing out on Champions League football, while Flamengo are currently second in Brazil’s Serie A, just two points behind leaders Palmeiras. They see Emerson as a key signing both to boost their squad and push them towards the Brazilian title.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR EMERSON, MILAN, AND THE CLUBS?

With Besiktas ready to pull out of the deal, AC Milan now face a decision on whether to respect their earlier deal with Besiktas or accept Flamengo’s new offer. Flamengo are confident of winning Emerson’s signature, particularly as he hopes to revive his international career by moving back to Brazil. Milan’s next fixture is a high-profile Serie A season opener against Cremonese, while Flamengo face a top-of-the-table clash with Palmeiras, which could decide the league leader. Besiktas, meanwhile, continue their Europa League qualifier preparations as they get set to face Shakhtar Donetsk as they continue to look for defensive reinforcements after missing out on Emerson.