SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 01: Players of Corinthians and Flamengo fight during a match between Corinthians and Flamengo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2024 at Neo Quimica Arena on September 01, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
Southampton fans were left divided by the club’s decision to sell Carlos Alcaraz to Flamengo this summer with many feeling he could be a useful option for Russell Martin this season.
Carlos Alcaraz only signed for Southampton from Club America in January 2023, with the Saints paying £12 million for the enigmatic Argentine.
Having impressed in his first six months at the club despite a poor Southampton side finishing bottom of the Premier League, Alcaraz struggled to earn the trust of Russell Martin after his arrival last summer.
That saw the 21-year-old join Juventus in January in a surprise loan deal which included a £42 million option to buy.
After struggling to make an impact in Italy, Juve passed up this opportunity which left Alcaraz with an uncertain future.
The attacking midfielder was given a chance in pre-season and was actually the best player on the pitch in the penultimate friendly of the summer against Lazio despite being sent off for an altercation that resulted in a 22-man scuffle.
Former Southampton man Carlos Alcaraz sent off on Flamengo debut
Ultimately, the decision was made that Alcaraz would be sold if a suitable offer came in, with the arrival of Mateus Fernandes at Southampton meaning he fell further down the pecking order.
It was Brazilian side Flamengo who tabled an offer deemed worth of Alcaraz’ services, as Southampton accepted an £18 million bid late in the transfer window.
