Fluminense close to signing Rigoni: Tricolor seeks to strengthen attack

Fluminense is in advanced negotiations to sign Emiliano Rigoni, a striker who recently terminated his contract with Austin FC, a team from the United States. The Argentine player is 31 years old and could join the Tricolor if he accepts the proposal of a two-year contract offered by the board of the Rio de Janeiro club.

Old interest

Fluminense's interest in Rigoni is not new. In January of this year, the club had already tried to sign the athlete, but Austin FC refused to release the player. Now, with the striker free on the market after terminating his contract with the American team in May, Fluminense has resumed talks with Rigoni, in an attempt to strengthen its squad.

Rigoni is no stranger to Brazil. He played for São Paulo between 2021 and 2022. However, after arriving in May 2021 with an investment of R$22.5 million and having a promising start under coach Hernán Crespo, he was sold to Austin FC in July 2022 for around US$4 million, approximately R$21 million at the exchange rate at the time.

^{Rigoni's speech at São Paulo's farewell (Video: reproduction/Instagram/@saopaulofc)}

Performance and history abroad

While playing for Austin FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), Rigoni played in 71 games, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Last season, he only played in 11 matches. Rigoni began his professional career in 2013 with Belgrano, a club from his home country, Argentina. He then moved to another Argentine team, Independiente, where he stood out and in 2017 he got a contract in Europe, more specifically in Russia, with Zenit. The following season, Rigoni was loaned to Atalanta, in Italy, where he stayed for only one year. In 2019, he was loaned again to another Italian team, Sampdoria, where he stayed until 2020 when he was loaned again to Elche, in Spain. In 2021, ending three consecutive loan spells, Rigoni was signed by São Paulo, standing out and winning the affection of the fans. The following year, he was sold to Austin FC in the United States, but he did not adapt to the American league and decided to terminate his contract at the end of this year.

^{Rigoni's debut for Austin FC (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@austinfc)}

Rigoni's likely signing could bring hope to the Tricolor fans, who are going through a turbulent time and are at the bottom of the Brazilian Championship. Contract adjustments are still being made and negotiations are ongoing. The club is awaiting the striker's response to announce the signing.

Featured Photo: Rigoni during training (Reproduction/Instagram/@saopaulofc)