Flamengo announce Pedro, introduce Thiago Maia | OneFootball

The day after Flamengo signed defensive midfielder Thiago Maia on an 18-month loan from Lille, they announced another acquisition for the 2020 campaign.

Former Fluminense striker Pedro, currently with Serie A side Fiorentina, has joined the rubro-negro on a year-long loan, choosing to join Flamengo over Grêmio.

According to famed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Pedro joins for an initial €2.5m (R$11.5m) loan fee, with an option to buy at the end of the season for €15m (R$69m).

Pedro, who spent six years at Flamengo until being released at age 14, developed a reputation for being one of Brazil’s best young strikers at Fluminense, being named the 2018 Brasileirão Newcomer of the Year after scoring 19 goals in 40 games.

However, he suffered a torn ACL in August of that year, which caused him to miss nine months of action. Pedro came back in May 2019 and scored five goals in 10 appearances, which convinced Fiorentina to shell out €11m (R$50.75m) for the 22-year-old.

Things have not went according to plan in Italy, as the Brazil U-23 international has only made a total of four appearances for La Viola, totaling 59 minutes.

Thiago Maia also had his introductory press conference on Thursday, where he admitted to being a lifelong Flamengo supporter.

“I am very happy, I can’t wait to play at Maracanã with the whole nation (nickname of the Flamengo fans),” the midfielder said.

“I have already played against Flamengo, I imagine what it will be like to play for them. It will be a dream come true.

“My passion for Flamengo comes from the cradle. It is a dream come true.”

Flamengo have an option to buy the former Santos man for somewhere in the €8-9m range.