With the World Cup over, the transfer market is buzzing again around forward José Manuel López, better known in football circles as “Flaco López.” According to Brazilian media, Russian club Spartak Moscow has sent a huge offer of around €25 million to bring the 25-year-old striker to the team.
López plays for Brazilian club Palmeiras. He had a brief stint with Argentina at the World Cup, appearing in two matches. López provided a crucial assist for Julián Álvarez’s winning goal in the quarter-finals. After gaining experience on his national team debut, he rejoined Palmeiras’ training camp, but his future now appears to point toward the Russian league.
According to multiple reports from Wolf Sport and Brazilian media, the Moscow club has not only offered Palmeiras a transfer fee of €25 million but has also drawn up a very attractive salary package for Flaco López. However, Palmeiras values him at €35 to €40 million, with his release clause set at €100 million.
In September 2025, López signed a new contract with Verdão (Palmeiras) until December 2029. Having established himself as one of the key members of coach Abel Ferreira’s squad, López has been in excellent form this year. He has scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 35 matches so far in 2026. His outstanding performances have helped Palmeiras win the Campeonato Paulista, as well as the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores.
López spent some time in his native Argentina after the World Cup, where he was warmly welcomed by fans when he attended a match to support his former club, Lanús, at the stadium.
Palmeiras signed López from Lanús in 2022 for about $7 million for a 70 percent stake in his economic rights. Now, with the opportunity to reap a huge profit from that investment, the Brazilian club is hesitant to let go of its main striker mid-season.
