On May 9, 2025, Flamengo released an official statement addressing the contract situations of two key Uruguayan players, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Guillermo Varela. The club clarified why negotiations to renew Arrascaeta's contract have been frozen while confirming that discussions with Varela have begun.
Regarding Guillermo Varela, Flamengo emphasized that the right-back's situation is influenced by the current market, as his contract is nearing its end. Consequently, the club has initiated talks about a potential renewal. This move aims to secure the player's future and prepare Flamengo for the immediate future.
On the other hand, concerning De Arrascaeta, the Flamengo board revealed that they had received a proposal from the player's agent, expressing a desire to discuss contractual matters. However, Flamengo opted to postpone these renewal talks, as Arrascaeta's contract extends until December 2026. The club stated that discussions would resume at a more suitable time aligned with their strategic planning.
The statement highlights Flamengo's cautious approach to managing their players' contract situations, always striving for a balance between the players' interests and the team's needs. As one of the standout players for Flamengo since joining from Cruzeiro in January 2019 for R$ 63.7 million, Arrascaeta has been instrumental in the team's success, contributing to their Copa Libertadores victories in 2019 and 2022.
In the current season, Arrascaeta has been in impressive form, netting nine goals and providing five assists across 20 matches. Notably, he leads the Brasileirão scoring chart with six goals, further solidifying his status as a key player for the club.
As for Guillermo Varela, who also hails from Uruguay, his future with Flamengo remains uncertain. The club clarified that the ongoing negotiations with Varela are market-driven, given that his contract is close to expiration. Starting in June, Varela will be eligible to sign a pre-contract with another team, but he has expressed a desire to continue with Flamengo.
Flamengo's decision to freeze negotiations for Arrascaeta's renewal has raised eyebrows, especially as the club had initially shown interest in extending his contract until 2028. Arrascaeta's representatives were surprised by the abrupt halt in discussions, particularly as it was reported that the club's football director, José Boto, had asked them to submit their terms for renewal earlier in the year.
Initially, Flamengo considered an extension until the end of 2027, along with a salary increase during the negotiations. However, with other priorities taking precedence—such as the renewals of Varela, striker Pedro, and goalkeeper Rossi—the club decided to put Arrascaeta's contract talks on hold.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arrascaeta has continued to perform at a high level. In the 2025 season, he has directly participated in 14 goals, scoring nine and assisting five, making him a pivotal figure in Flamengo's campaign. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he recently achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming one of the most decorated players in the club's history alongside Bruno Henrique, with a total of 15 titles won.
As Flamengo navigates these contract negotiations, fans remain hopeful that both Arrascaeta and Varela will continue to wear the iconic red and black jersey. The club's management is tasked with balancing the immediate needs of the team while ensuring that they retain their top talents.
In summary, Flamengo's approach to contract negotiations reflects a careful consideration of their squad's dynamics and future direction. While the club has chosen to pause discussions with Arrascaeta for now, the ongoing talks with Varela signal an active effort to secure the team's backbone for the coming seasons. As the situation develops, supporters will be keenly watching how these negotiations unfold.
