Aniket Rai
Jorge Sampaoli wants Manchester United’s Alex Telles amid Ayrton Lucas exit links
It seems Flamengo could accelerate their pursuit of Manchester United outcast Alex Telles.
The Brazilian left-back has struggled to cement a first-team position ever since his transfer from FC Porto in 2020. He was sent out on loan to Sevilla last summer.
It is clear that Erik ten Hag wants Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia to compete for the left-back role. And hence, Telles’ exit looks likely this summer.
According to Brazilian outlet O Globo (Subscription Required), Flamengo fear losing Ayrton Lucas. The 26-year-old is their starting left-back for the present and the future.
Telles to Brazil?
That is, if he doesn’t leave. He was initially loaned in from Spartak Moscow in April 2022 before the move was made permanent at the turn of the year.
Since then, he has racked up eight goals and 11 assists in 81 games for the club. His energetic performances at both ends of the pitch could have clubs eyeing a move.
Felipe Luis, meanwhile, is 37 years old. And that is why Flamengo’s interest in Telles makes sense. It could mean a return to Brazil for the 30-year-old.
He hasn’t returned to his homeland for club football since leaving Gremio for Galatasaray in 2014. Jorge Sampaoli could give him a fresh start at Flamengo.
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And that could then result in a place in Brazil’s national team set-up. The Argentine coach has intimate knowledge of Telles’ game, having managed him during the 2022-23 season when the two were at Sevilla together.
