Erick Pulgar wants to stay at Flamengo, but he's holding out for more money

Four million dollars. That's the figure that could pull Erick Pulgar out of Rio de Janeiro right now. And in Middle Eastern soccer, where money is rarely an issue, that number reads more like an opportunity than an obstacle.

The Chilean midfielder is under contract with Flamengo through December 2026, but his release clause was lowered, and that set off alarm bells. Why the sudden interest? With that reduction, prying Pulgar away from Mengao went from a near-impossible mission to a perfectly workable move for clubs with deep pockets. Two names stand out in that group: Saudi Arabia's NEOM and the United Arab Emirates' Al-Jazira.

Before picturing Pulgar packing his bags, though, there's a detail that changes the whole tone of this story. According to Globo Esporte, the Antofagasta native's priority remains staying at Flamengo. He's been at the club for a while, feels part of the project, and above all has built a bond with the fans that doesn't happen overnight. The issue is something else entirely: he wants the club to reflect that with a better salary.

Club management already made its move with a renewal offer, but it fell short of what the midfielder was looking for, and he responded with a counterproposal. That's where things stand now, with the ball in Flamengo's court as the club figures out how far it's willing to dig into its pockets to keep an important piece of its midfield.

A negotiation taking its time

The expectation was to have this settled this week, but everything points to the answer taking a bit longer. The Brazilian club has its focus on the Copa Libertadores, where it will face Cruzeiro in the round of 16, and would rather get through that series before sitting back down to negotiate in earnest.

Pulgar's camp understands the delay, but there's also a touch of impatience. According to the same outlet, it's acknowledged that club management "has acted correctly in seeking a solution that benefits everyone," though it's also made clear the decision can't keep getting pushed back indefinitely.

With the Gulf market watching closely and a release clause that no longer poses a real barrier, Flamengo knows every week that passes without a renewal is a week of added risk. Pulgar, for his part, has already made his preference clear: staying in Rio. What remains to be seen is whether the club can win him over with the numbers before the Middle Eastern temptation ends up weighing too heavily.