Emerson Royal Set For Flamengo Move After Dramatic Transfer Twist

Flamengo have agreed to sign AC Milan right-back Emerson Royal for €9 million. They swooped in at the last minute to seal the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Emerson Royal was almost a Besiktas player and had a medical scheduled in Istanbul. However, Flamengo’s José Boto stepped in and convinced him to join the Brazilian side instead. The clubs are now exchanging documents, and Emerson is set to head back to Brazil after just one season in Italy. Milan paid €15 million to sign him from Tottenham last summer, but he made just 26 appearances and failed to secure a regular place in the team. AC Milan had a verbal agreement with Besiktas for Emerson Royal’s transfer, but Flamengo’s late approach resulted in the Brazilian team completing the transfer instead as per reports.

IMPACT ON FLAMENGO AND MILAN

Flamengo secure Emerson just as they needed to strengthen their back line. The Rio de Janeiro club are second in the Brazilian top flight and challenging for the title. The right-back’s signing will allow the current occupant of the position, Wesley Franca, to leave. He is set to join Roma for around €25 million plus add-ons. Meanwhile, Milan are in the process of rebuilding under new coach Massimiliano Allegri as they prepare for the new season after finishing eighth last year and missing out on European competition according to a previous update.

WHAT NEXT FOR EMERSON AND FLAMENGO?

Once the transfer is official, Emerson will go straight into the Flamengo squad. They have a big clash with Botafogo up next, with their opponents just three points behind them in the league. Milan, meanwhile, continue to look for Emerson’s replacement as they prepare for their first Serie A game next season against Cremonese.