Flamengo defender Léo Ortiz sparks interest from Juventus and Sporting; Portuguese club signals €12 million offer

European giants Juventus and Sporting CP are reportedly targeting Flamengo center-back Léo Ortiz, with the Portuguese club already signaling a €12 million bid for the 29-year-old.

The experienced defender, who has been a consistent starter for Flamengo, is once again on the radar of clubs in Europe. According to Portuguese outlet SIC Notícias, Sporting has made contact with the Brazilian club to express its intent to sign the player during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lisbon-based club has reportedly proposed a fee of €12 million, but Flamengo appears unwilling to negotiate at that price.

Flamengo Holding Out for Higher Fee Amid European Interest

This is not the first time European clubs have come knocking. In recent months, Flamengo rejected an offer of €15 million from RB Leipzig, indicating that the club values Léo Ortiz higher than what Sporting is currently offering.

Juventus has also maintained long-standing interest in the defender, initially spurred by injury concerns to fellow Brazilian center-back Bremer. The Italian club has now renewed its pursuit, with eyes on a 2025 transfer.

Given Ortiz’s key role in the squad, Flamengo is expected to take a tough stance in negotiations, especially considering his importance to coach Filipe Luís’s plans.

Ortiz’s Impact in 2025 Season Under Filipe Luís

So far in the 2025 campaign, Léo Ortiz has made 36 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists a notable contribution from the back line. His leadership and consistency have made him one of the pillars of Flamengo’s defense.

At 29, Ortiz is at the peak of his career, and Flamengo sees him as a valuable asset both on the pitch and in the transfer market. While the club remains open to negotiations, it is clear that any deal would require a significantly higher fee than what has been tabled so far.

Flamengo Maintains European Pipeline

As one of South America’s most dominant clubs, Flamengo has long attracted interest from European scouts. With a track record of producing talent and competing at the highest level, the club remains a prime source of players for Europe’s elite leagues.

Whether Léo Ortiz will make the move abroad remains to be seen, but both Sporting and Juventus will need to dig deeper if they hope to persuade Flamengo to part ways with one of its defensive mainstays.