The young defender and captain of Vélez, a key player in 2024, is said to be in advanced negotiations with a top Brazilian team, attracting interest from Boca and River.
Valentín Gómez has been one of the most high-profile players in Vélez Sarsfield’s spectacular 2024 campaign. At just 21 years old, he has established himself as a leader in defense, earning the captain’s armband and playing a crucial role in conquering the Liga Profesional title, reaching the finals of the Copa de la Liga and the Copa Argentina, while participating in the Trofeo de Campeones, despite losing the final in each of these competitions.
His impressive performances and leadership qualities have made him a highly coveted target for many clubs. In Argentina, both River and Boca have expressed interest in acquiring him, although there are no positive indicators favoring one or the other. Additionally, it has been reported that there is interest in Europe, notably from Lazio of Italy. However, a Brazilian football giant has entered the fray and is reportedly close to reaching an agreement to sign him.
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-According to information from César Merlo, Germán García Grova and Hugo Balassone, journalists specializing in the transfer market on X (formerly Twitter), the club in question is Cruzeiro. The Belo Horizonte club is said to be in advanced negotiations, and the young defender has given the green light for a transfer to the neighboring country, temporarily delaying his dream of playing on the Old Continent.
Gómez is under contract with Vélez until December 2026, so any potential transfer would require paying his release clause, set at $10 million. This amount poses no obstacle for Raposa (nor for almost any team in Brazil). In addition, the contractual offers that Cruzeiro could present to the player are much more attractive than those that could be issued by River or Boca.
If the transfer goes through, Gómez will have to sacrifice his participation in the Copa Libertadores, to which Fortín, River and Boca have qualified, while Cruzeiro prepares to compete in the Sudamericana. Nevertheless, Cruzeiro emerge as a clear favorite, aiming for redemption after losing the last final to Racing, and are strengthening their squad with several big-name players. Among the recruits, they have already secured Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, double Copa América champion with Flamengo in 2019 and 2022.
