Chilean midfielder Gary Medel has officially announced his departure from Boca Juniors, while injured Paraguayan defender Bruno Valdez has extended his loan with Cerro Porteño. This development means Boca only have one place left for one foreign player, with Ander Herrera and Williams Alarcón in their sights.
After a second stint at Boca punctuated by more shadows than lights, Gary Medel officially terminated his contract with Xeneize. At the same time, it was confirmed that Bruno Valdez will continue on loan at Cerro Porteño, which therefore frees up two places for foreign players at Brandsen 805. The pressing question now is how this will influence the Football Council’s strategies in the football market. transfers.
Medel’s return to Boca, marked by only a few appearances without goals or titles, did not live up to expectations. Primarily recognized for his work as a midfielder, former coach Diego Martínez used Medel almost exclusively as a central defender, a position he was relatively familiar with in recent years. Yet he not only failed to live up to expectations but also found himself marginalized from the team after Gago’s arrival at the club. Reports suggest he could now join the Universidad Católica in Chile.
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Conversely, Bruno Valdez was already on loan at Cerro Porteño and was due to return to Boca. During his time at the Paraguayan club, he struggled to get playing time due to a torn cruciate ligament. Despite this setback, Cerro Porteño chose to extend his loan, meaning Valdez will not return and take up a playing spot.
The release of these squad places raises questions about Boca’s intentions in the transfer market. Argentine football regulations allow six foreign players in a squad, although only five can be registered for matches. Currently, Boca’s squad includes Uruguayans Edinson Cavani, Miguel Merentiel and Marcelo Saracchi, as well as Chilean Carlos Palacios, leaving two places available. However, in line with their approach to previous transfer deals, the Football Council appear to be aiming to retain just five foreign players to avoid any player being left out.
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Negotiations between Boca and Ander Herrera are apparently advanced, and the Basque midfielder should fill this fifth place with a foreigner. The Xeneizes have made an offer to both parties, the player and Athletic Bilbao, with a response expected by the weekend. Notably, Athletic must face Barça this Wednesday in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, with the final scheduled for the following Sunday.
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If Spain’s answer is yes, Boca will move forward quickly, focusing solely on Argentine players unless there is an unexpected departure. On the other hand, if the response is not that expected by the Football Council, then Williams Alarcón de Huracán will remain in the running.
Apart from discussions with Ander Herrera, the Football Council is keen to revive a transfer market which has seen little action since Palacios’ arrival in mid-December. Ayrton Costa is set to become the second new face in Fernando Gago’s squad, while discussions with Atlético Mineiro regarding Rodrigo Battaglia are ongoing.
The former Independiente defender has agreed to join Boca for a fee of $3.5 million, his rights having previously been held by Royal Antwerp of Belgium. The left-central defender is expected to travel to the country on Tuesday to undergo medical examinations before signing a new three-year contract at Brandsen 805.
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Meanwhile, the club’s management has reached an agreement on Rodrigo Battaglia’s contract and is now preparing a formal offer to Atlético Mineiro, the player’s owner. Battaglia is known for his role as a midfielder, but this past season he also played as a central defender under Gabriel Milito, making his versatility particularly attractive to Gago, especially given the need to strengthen both the midfield and defense. Acquired by the Brazilian club for $800,000 in mid-2023, any offer above that amount should guarantee his arrival at La Bombonera.
