The player is inclined to accept a proposal that he received from Greek giants Olympiacos and will meet with the Flamengo board on Thursday.
Flamengo, however, is hoping to change Rafinha’s mind as the club have already been searching for a complimentary right-back and only have inexperienced 22-year-old João Lucas in reserve. The club’s hierarchy tried talking to the player as per reports but it appears the Brazilian has his mind bent on leaving the club.
Though he is under contract until 2021, in the contract with Flamengo, there is a clause that allows Rafinha to be released for free to clubs abroad.
While the financial issue is an important factor, the player is also uncomfortable with the situation of the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil.
Rafinha was on the bench in Flamengo’s loss to Atlético-GO on Wednesday due to an ankle injury, though he came into the match in the second half for Gustavo Henrique, allowing Rodrigo Caio to move back from right-back to his natural centre-back slot.
It’s unclear whether he will be with the squad for Saturday’s match at newly-promoted Coritiba.
The right-back is due to travel to Athens in the next few hours to undergo medical tests and sign a contract with the Greek club later this week. Considered one of the cast leaders, Rafinha arrived in June 2019 and has been an absolute starter ever since. He played in 57 games with the Flamengo shirt and won five titles.
With the international transfer window closed until October 13, the alternative for Flamengo as it stands will be to look for players who work in Brazil or who are without a contract.
