Brazilian’s Return Home Derails Turkish Move Despite Medical Scheduled
The proposed transfer of Emerson Royal from AC Milan to Besiktas has dramatically collapsed following a last-minute intervention from Brazilian giants Flamengo. What appeared to be a done deal just hours ago has now unraveled, leaving the Turkish club ready to walk away despite having already scheduled a medical examination for the Brazilian right-back.
According to leading transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Besiktas president is ready to decide for the club to leave the Emerson Royal deal, despite a verbal agreement being completed and a medical booked for the right back. The dramatic turn of events came after Flamengo entered the deal for a late hijack, with both the player and AC Milan open to advancing discussions with the Brazilian club.
The collapse is a big setback for Besiktas, who had been working diligently to secure the former Tottenham defender’s services. The Turkish club had reportedly agreed to take Emerson Royal on loan with an option to buy at €10 million, representing what appeared to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.
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Flamengo’s Strategic Intervention
Reports indicate that Flamengo are attempting a last-minute hijack to sign Emerson Royal from Milan, despite the Brazilian being on the verge of a final agreement with Besiktas. The timing of Flamengo’s intervention appears calculated, coming just as Besiktas believed they had secured their target.
Updates from Wednesday evening confirm that Flamengo are in talks with both Milan and Emerson Royal over potential fee and personal terms. The Brazilian club’s ability to offer the player a return to his homeland represents a compelling alternative to the Turkish Super Lig move that Besiktas had proposed.
Background to the Original Besiktas Deal
Prior to Flamengo’s intervention, the transfer had progressed smoothly between Milan and Besiktas. Turkish sources had reported that Besiktas had reached an agreement with Milan for Emerson Royal’s transfer, with the deal structured as a loan with an option to purchase.
The Brazilian full-back had shown openness to a transfer to Besiktas, and the Turkish club had prepared a three-year contract offer. Importantly, Emerson Royal did not even leave for the pre-season tour with the rest of Milan’s squad, suggesting his departure was considered imminent by all parties.
Player’s Current Situation at Milan
Emerson Royal’s position at AC Milan had become increasingly untenable, with the club clearly looking to move him on during the current transfer window. The Brazilian defender, who joined Milan from Tottenham in 2024, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under current management.
His exclusion from Milan’s pre-season tour activities indicated that the club had no intention of retaining his services for the upcoming campaign. This situation had made him available for transfer, initially creating the opportunity that Besiktas sought to exploit.
Financial Implications and Deal Structure
The original Besiktas proposal involved a loan arrangement with a €10 million purchase option, which is a reasonable return for Milan on their investment. This structure would have allowed Besiktas to assess the player’s fit within their system before committing to a permanent transfer.
However, Flamengo’s intervention may alter the financial dynamics entirely, with the Brazilian club potentially offering different terms that could prove more attractive to both Milan and the player himself.
Strategic Impact on All Parties
For Besiktas, the collapsed deal is an important disappointment, particularly given the advanced stage of negotiations and the medical examination that had been scheduled. The Turkish club now faces the prospect of returning to the transfer market to identify alternative right-back options.
Milan’s position remains relatively stable, as they still achieve their objective of moving Emerson Royal from their squad. The emergence of Flamengo as an alternative suitor may even improve their negotiating position, potentially securing better terms than the original Besiktas proposal.
Future Prospects and Timeline
With Flamengo now in active discussions with both Milan and Emerson Royal, the focus shifts to whether the Brazilian club can conclude negotiations quickly. The player’s apparent openness to returning to Brazil suggests personal terms may not present significant obstacles.
However, the financial arrangements between Milan and Flamengo will need to be resolved, with the Italian club likely seeking terms comparable to or better than those offered by Besiktas.
The coming days will determine whether Flamengo can capitalize on their dramatic intervention to secure the defender’s signature.
