Mercado de Pases (River Plate TRANSFER News)

Chau Tucu

Exequiel Palacios to Bayer Leverkusen for €24,100,000 (€18m for River + 10% of a future transfer)

https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/palacios-va-bayer-leverkusen-mercado-river_0_KoB9DI6b.html

 

Like I said in the other thread, losing the Libertadores final not only left a gap in the club's trophycase, but also hurt our finances heavily: there's a $6m difference in the prize money received for 1st and 2nd place, and we're losing out on another €4-5m from participating at the CWC. That alone is a $10m+ income gone without considering other ensuing profits, such as those from the Recopa Sudamericana, the revamped 2021 CWC (which is rumored to have galactic prize money just for participating, although we can still qualify to that), and general marketing. As a result, it seems players will be leaving in numbers, with Palacios being the first one announced to go yesterday...

D'Onofrio had promised Nacho Fernandez that they would let him go at the end of the year if a decent offer arrived. With Chacho Coudet (admirer of Nacho) set to join Internacional as coach, it seems his future could be in Porto Alegre if the Brazilians are willing to put down 5-8m (although his release clause is worth 15m). Mexico could be an alternative if one of the "big" teams come knocking.

Zanetti has been having talks with Lucas Martinez Quarta's agent regarding a possible move to Inter Milan. A €12,000,000 offer is said to be on the table, but it's still far from his release clause of €22,000,000. AC Milan and Roma, who have been interested in the centerback since past transfer windows, are also monitoring his situation closely.

Nicolas De La Cruz has been linked in recent days to Manchester City..... humo if you ask me, but it appears they're trying to get his name floating in the market.

Gonzalo Montiel and Rafael Santos Borre are two of the other players the club believes they can cash in on.. The Colombian has been linked to Everton, among a few other smaller European clubs, although the Colombian Federation has recommended to him that he stays in River to avoid an abrupt change before the upcoming Copa America.

Ignacio Scocco will be having a chat with Gallardo at the end of the year to decide his future. While he's comfortable at River, he knows he can go to another team and be the star player. Newell's have been tempting him with a return for a while now, while San Lorenzo, Racing, and some MLS sides had inquired about him in past transfer windows, so there will be no lack of interest in the case he decides to seek a change.

Juan Fernando Quintero could also be eyeing an exit due to the deteriorating value of the Argentine peso, although Francescoli is trying to convince him to stay at the club until June.

Santiago Caseres (22-year-old DMF; former Velez, currently at Villarreal) appears on River's radar for the upcoming transfer window. Given his lack of playing time, a loan could be a viable option.

There's still a decision to make regarding Jorge Carrascal's future... his loan ends in a month and River's board aren't convinced about paying the $2,500,000 buyout clause to keep him, although Gallardo will have the last say.

Enzo Perez, Pinola, Scocco, and Ponzio's contracts are all set to expire in 6 months (June 2020). Others who are in their final season with the club contractually (at least for now) include 21-year-old centerback Kevin Sibille and substitute goalkeeprs German Lux, Enrique Bologna, and Franco Petroli

Lastly, it appears Sao Paulo will go to FIFA over a $4,000,000 debt held by River with them from Lucas Pratto's transfer. Regarding Oso's future, it seems now River would be willing to let him go if a foreign offer arrives (unlike 6 months ago when they immediately turned down an offer from.... ironically... Flamengo), although it's hard to imagine anyone offering anything for Lucas given his ridiculously poor form and physique over the last season.

 

D'Onofrio on the transfer market:

"El único caso es el de Palacios a dia de hoy, pero con Bayer Leverkusen todavía no firmamos. Vinieron a la Argentina y es probable, porque el jugador tiene interés en hacerlo, que cuando termine la competición, en la final de la Copa Argentina, el 13 en Mendoza, trataremos de ver con los alemanes como es la situación".

En ese sentido, D'Onofrio afirmó que la venta de Palacios alcanzaría para equilibrar las finanzas del club y dijo que el objetivo vuelve a ser retener la base del plantel: "Con este jugador, si lo vendemos, ya es más que suficiente. River lo que quiere es mantener al equipo. Tenemos grandes jugadores. No tenemos necesidad de vender más, ningún interés".

No obstante, el presidente millonario no ocultó que "el problema no es lo que querés vender sino lo que te quieren comprar. Cuando a un jugador vienen y le ofrecen millones para ir a jugar a otro equipo no les podés cortar la carrera, siempre y cuando a River le devuelvan el patrimonio de lo que vale el jugador"

https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/d-onofrio-palacios-river_0_kEWYwEjW.html

 

River have confirmed the use of Jorge Carrascal’s loan buyout clause for $2,500,000

https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/river-carrascal-donofrio-compra-dolares_0_56MCpCpf.html

 

Besides the attempt from Estudiantes to recover him, Enzo Perez has received a very tempting contract offer from Gremio. Besides getting an important pay raise himself, River would also recieve a compensation since 6 months remain on his contract. However, Enzo has turned it down and will remain at River til at least June 2020

An offer was also turned down for Nacho Fernandez, however in this case by the club and not the player. Cruz Azul were willing to put down $4,000,000 for the former Gimnasia midfielder, a proposal that was quickly shut down by D’Onofrio. While River is willing to let him go, at least 7-8m must be on the table for it to go through. Chicago Fire and Internacional (BRA) have also expressed an interest.

Olimpia (PAR) have enquired about Robert Rojas and are already holding talks with his agent. The Paraguayan’s future will depend largely on the role Gallardo has for him for 2020.

Ignacio Scocco is maintaining regular communications with Newell’s board and every time it seems more likely that he’ll return to Rosario in June. I don’t care how old he is: this guy’s a crack and it’s a shame how little playing time he gets in River. It’ll be a sad day when he leaves.

Inter Milan have offered €12,000,000 for Lucas Martinez Quarta, a sum inferior to what River wants. Talks will continue, but for now the 23-year-old international centerback will continue at River. A few European clubs have also enquired about Gonzalo Montiel, although no formal offers have been made.

In terms of reinforcements, River have been linked to Damian Battallini (23-year-old, Argentinos Juniors). Despite Gallardo’s insistence that River is not yet moving in the market, it is said that Argentinos have requested $10,000,000 for his transfer — nearly double what they wanted 6 months ago. Nahuel Bustos (21-year-old, Talleres) is an option that is being analyzed in case Rafael Santos Borre is sold (Everton is said to be preparing a €15,000,000 offer).

Lastly, Tomas Andrade, Augusto Batalla, Marcelo Larrondo and Ivan Rossi must all return from their loans at the end of the year, but will not be in Gallardo’s plans. The club will try to sell them off to the highest bidder, or, in the worst case, renegotiate new loans.

 

Reporter Nicolas Distasio is mentioning a supposed interest from River in Estudiantes defender Facundo Mura (20-year-old rightback) to give Montiel some competition for the position in 2020. The kid only has a handful of games in Primera, having just made his professional debut this year in none less than the La Plata derby vs. Gimnasia (he was played out of position as a leftback).

Mura has extensive youth NT experience (participation in the Sudamericano Sub-20, L'Acudia tournament under Scaloni, and 2019 U-20 WC) and even played for the U23 "Olympic" team in some friendlies at the end of this year, although he was cut from the final roster for the upcoming Pre-Olympic tournament. He has also served as a sparring player for the senior NT under Sampaoli.

In terms of midfield reinforcements, Jose Paradela (Gimnasia) and Anibal Moreno (Newell's) appear on the radar as options in case Ignacio Fernandez leaves. Although Gimnasia want $9m for their midfielder, a potential deal worth $3m (50% of the transfer) + the inclusion of 1-2 players (Ivan Rossi, Augusto Batalla, etc.) is being negotiated due to el lobo's necessity to generate income.

Although the operation to retain Nacho Fernanedez is in full force--D'Onofrio offered to extend his contract til 2023 and make him one of the best paid players in the club/country, on top of Gallardo's valuable public words after the Copa Argentina final in which he made it clear that he doesn't want Nacho going anywhere-- the former Gimnasia player is aware that this may be his last chance to cash in on a big, foreign check since he turns 30 in two weeks and thus doesn't want to close any doors yet.

Enzo Perez is also unsatisfied with the terms proposed by D’Onofrio for his new contract (he too received an offer from Brazil; Gremio), although unlike Nacho he already cashed in on some big checks during his 6 years in Europe and thus his love for the jersey may prevail (much like when he accepted to drastically reduce his paycheck when he arrived from Valencia in 2017). Still, Enzo realizes he has become an important pillar in Gallardo’s team over the last year and in turn wants a deal to reflect such. We’ll see if Rodo gives in, if not we risk losing him in June for not giving a proven player a raise as has happened with Carlos Sanchez, Lionel Vangioni, and Camilo Mayada.

Another midfielder who could be leaving is 20-year-old youngster Luciano Vega Albornoz, who apparently caught the eye of Internacional de Porto Alegre while playing a youth tournament in Brazil. It is worth noting that the youngster does not have a professional contract with River and in result could be leaving through the back door.

In other news, Godoy Cruz has presented an offer to acquire Marcelo Larrondo on loan after his return from Chile. Tigre, who he previously played 6 months for in 2015, are also interested in the 31-year-old forward.

Santiago Caseres was mentioned a few weeks ago as a possible reinforcement to fill in for the vacant spot left by Exequiel Palacios, although it seems now Boca have gotten involved as well. Having Villarreal legend Riquelme as their VP now may possibly tilt things in favor of the bosteros, although neither side has presented a formal offer yet for the 22-year-old.

Ricky Alvarez, the former Velez and Inter Milan midfielder who formed part of the 2014 Argentina WC squad, was offered to the club, but does not appear to be of Gallardo's interest. The 31-year-old is currently in Liga MX with Atlas, where he has played 21 games this season (2 goals, 5 assists). His career took a downwards spiral after he suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Sunderland shortly after his World Cup "participation."

Lastly, the press is already beginning to start with their usual Radamel Falcao humo that happens every transfer window.. Some even going as far as mentioning the possibility of the Colombian terminating his contract with Galatasaray (who he just signed with 6 months ago) to return to River. Take it with a grain of salt..... Sebastian Driussi and Pity Martinez are two other "smoke" names some pseudojournalists seem to love.

 

Official word from Gallardo regarding the state of the market --

"No voy a desmentir, no tengo por qué, siempre se movilizan nombres a través de todos los mercados, muchos sin certeza y algunos pocos con alguna tentación a futuro. No vamos a salir al mercado en este proceso de verano, salvo que se nos vaya algún jugador o que aparezca alguna oportunidad, que nos guste la jerarquía del jugador. Va a ser difícil que salgamos a buscar a alguien", aseguró Gallardo.

Regarding Nacho Fernandez -- "Las ofertas que han llegado no han sido para nada suficientes por lo que el jugador vale. Si surgen temitas así hay que tenerlos en cuenta. Ya tuve charlas con él, está muy contento de estar acá, está contento de que todos sigamos. Tiene una cláusula de 15 palos y el que se lo quiera llevar la va a tener que poner, no vale menos que eso"

https://lapaginamillonaria.com/rive...-al-mercado-en-este-verano-20200102-0011.html

 

Antes de arrancar otra etapa de mi carrera, quería agradecer a todo el mundo River por enseñarme a crecer como persona y jugador,, espero poder volver algún día a mi casa, ahora soy un hincha más que va a estar alentando!! ... Gracias!!
⚪🔴⚪ #rivereselmásgrande pic.twitter.com/EDVT73Rrqj

— Exequiel Palacios (@exepalacios_) January 4, 2020

 

Celta de Vigo is the latest team to be interested in Rafael Santos Borre. The Colombian has a €30,000,000 release clause (although River does not own his full transfer rights as Atletico Madrid still have a percentage) and D'Onofrio doesn't have the intention of negotiating him for less than that figure. Everton and Red Bull Salzburg had also enquired about the possibility of buying the 24-year-old striker during this transfer window, but backed down when seeing River's demands.

For the record, Borre himself also made a statement not long ago expressing his gratitude for River and his intent to continue at the club despite foreign interests:

"Esa pregunta (de irse a Europa) me la he hecho y es fácil de contestar. Esto es fútbol y cuando estuve mal, me respaldaron. Hay que ser agradecidos. En los momentos que no estuve bien, el grupo me ayudó y crecí como jugador.Capaz no tenían necesidad de hacerlo, pero los jugadores estuvieron ahí. Eso hace que uno dude a la hora de tomar decisiones. Cada reto que vamos pasando, aparece una nueva meta"

El ex Atlético Madrid, además, contó cómo vivió el interés del Everton de Inglaterra por su pase. "Siempre hay sondeos, que son normales. Los clubes averiguan cómo está el jugador, qué tipo de contrato tiene y demás. Pero eso es decisión del jugador y del representante. En ese sentido, hablamos con el entrenador y le comenté lo que quería. Siempre estuvimos de acuerdo, por eso quiero seguir estando acá", aseguró el cafetero.​

20-year-old forward Rodrigo Castillo has left as a free agent to Union (SF). Having arrived in 2018 after recommendation from Nacho Scocco's father, the kid had shown plenty of promise in the youth divisions and even scored in a youth superclasico tournament final, so it kind of comes as a surprise that they're letting him go. Originally it was speculated that he was going to leave on loan, but in the end he's leaving on a free (although River will receive 30% of a future transfer).

16-year-old promising playmaker Tiago Geralnik has also left as a free agent, joining La Liga side Villarreal despite River's attempts to retain him. Geralnik was said to be a top youth prospect and has also represented the youth NT sides

"Se han tomado decisiones para que Tiago, a quien conozco como a muchos chicos de las categorías menores, se pueda retener. Fue una decision familiar. Y muchas veces, por más que el club haga todo lo que esté a su alcance, a veces no alcanza", manifestó Gallardo.​

Nacho Fernandez has officially signed his contract extension. His new deal, which runs til 2023, includes a significant salary raise and an unconfirmed reduction in the value of his release clause (rumored to have gone down to $12 million)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tN98Ego8e/?utm_source=ig_embed

"Creo que tenemos un grupo bárbaro, entonces eso hace que te den ganas de quedarse y de seguir consiguiendo cosas. Estamos cerquita de conseguir un nuevo título y estamos en la búsqueda de eso."​

European offers arrived midweek for Juan Fernando Quintero and Gonzalo Montiel from Genoa and West Ham, respectively, although both were immediately turned down due to being on condition of loans with buyout clauses. Ajax were rumored to be interested in the Colombian as well, although it's unlikely they'll make a move now considering how the transfer window closes on Friday.

Speaking of Ajax, the Dutch side has been impressed by Jorge Carrascal in the U-23 Pre-Olympic Tournament and have sent scouts to specifically track him in the remaining games as they are attracted by his potential. The 21-year-old has a €20,000,000 release clause (elevated to €25m if activated within the last 10 days of the transfer window).

Santiago Sosa, the 20-year-old DMF who's agreed transfer to Everton collapsed last year due to his inability to get a UK work permit, is being eyed by the Seattle Sounders. Being relegated in his position by Enzo Perez, Ponzio, and Zuculini, a move could be a good opportunity for him to gain regular playing time, although the MLS side has not presented any formal offers yet.

Marcelo Larrondo has left as a free agent to Tigre, club which he previously played 6 months for when he first returned to the league from Europe.

Nahuel Molina Lucero, who spent 2019 on loan at Rosario Central from Boca Juniors, surprisingly appears on the radar as a possible mid-year reinforcement. Although Russo has him in mind for his "new" Boca, the 22-year-old has been turning down Ameal's contract renewal proposals for now and risks being left as a free agent in just six months. He has been offered to River by his agent and Gallardo considers him an interesting option since he can play as a fullback on both sides (much like Casco).

Lastly, the club as always has acquired several foreign talents with sights on the future: 17-year-old, left-footed Colombian playmaker Duvan Balceiro, 18-year-old Brazilian left-back Hyago, and 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Edin Lopes. The two Brazilians have initially arrived on loan, although the club has the option to buy either/or at any time.

 

Looks like the ex-Velez ended up in Mexico after all...

https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-inter...-incorporacion-america-mexico_0_pvuBmRwc.html

Replacement for Guido Rodriguez in America....

 

Nahuel Gallardo leaving on loan to Crespo’s Defensa y Justicia

 

Quiet times in the football world with the ongoing Corona virus pandemic... I hope you all are healthy and well. Stay safe and please be conscientious of your actions.

With that said, the transfer market is still ongoing despite the indefinite suspension of sporting activities. Latest news:

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Betis are unloading some of their RBs and Gonzalo Montiel's name has appeared on the radar as a prime target. The verdiblancos have been maintaining a philosophy of incorporating young NT players during recent transfer windows (Lo Celso, Guido Rodriguez --who I still can't believe receives regular call-ups, but that's a different story--, and other young foreign internationals like Lainez, Emerson, etc.), so it doesn't really come as a surprise that they've placed their eyes on Montiel, who was likely to start for Argentina in the now-postponed Copa America.

It is worth noting that the 23-year-old possesses a $20,000,000 contract release clause.

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Juan Fernando Quintero's name has been linked to the Chicago Fire in recent days, with the MLS side being said ready to present a $12,000,000 offer. Might just be humo (from my research this news stemmed from some questionable Twitter accounts), but past interest from Chicago has existed, including in separate occasions in 2017 (right before he arrived at River) and 2018.

With that said, whether it's to Chicago Fire or another team, the possibility of Quintero leaving River are at the highest they've been since he arrived from Porto. The Colombian was said to be analyzing switching teams in the past due to a strong desire to earn a contract in USD, but ultimately decided to stay in River til at least June in order to increase his chances of going to Copa America.

However, things didn't pan out the way he expected (he was a sub the whole season and underperformed when given a chance). Just last month he expressed that he no longer has a role in the team and that River's board knows of foreign interest in him, perhaps subtly throwing a clue at his discontent. That is not to say that there is desperateness to sell him in any way, but with the player looking to recover a starting role and a strong contract + the club no longer considering him indispensable, a decent offer will be carefully analyzed even if it's below the contract release value.

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Inter Milan continue holding a strong interest in Lucas Martinez Quarta, with Javier Zanetti (Inter VP) going as far as saying the 23-year-old is one of the most interesting footballers in Argentina. Not long ago MQ's agent had stated that the idea was for the CB to make the move to Europe in the June transfer window.

With River's financial losses (losing out on 2019 Libertadores + Superliga prize money, as well as unexpected lost income because of the virus), this seems like a very likely transfer, even moreso with Rojas and Diaz now starting to find their roles within the team. We'll have to see if the Italians are willing to pay the €22m contract termination fee, or if they'll try to take advantage of River's situation to work out a deal.

Besides Inter, other European teams are also keeping track of Chino.

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We're still lacking an official confirmation, but everyday it seems more and more likely that Ignacio Scocco will continue his career in Newell's Old Boys as of June. The 34-year-old, who is the second top-scorer of the Gallardo era (38 goals; 3 away from record-holder Alario), has the option to remain at River for another season but seems to be tempted by possibility of starting the last few years of his career alongside old buddies like Maxi Rodriguez and Pablo Perez.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has in a way played against his future with River. Gallardo was planning on giving Nacho more regular playing time throughout the Copa de la Superliga (Muñe was going to experiment ahead of the decisive Libertadores stages, resting many starters), as a final test before his contract expired. Who knows, maybe if he did well he would have felt more important and decided to stay for another year. Oh well...

We will never forget all his important goals with la banda -- goal in the Supercopa vs. Boca, 5 vital goals vs. Jorge Wilstermann, decisive goal in the 2017 Copa Argentina final, golazo in a 2-0 superclasico win in the bombonera, key goal vs. Independiente in the 2018 Libertadores quarterfinals, golazo in the 2019 Copa Argentina final, and a million other golazos. Definition of a crack!

Regardless of his final decision he will always be remembered and appreciated in Nuñez. As for Gallardo, he has asked Scocco to notify him of his decision ASAP so he can begin planning for a future replacment.

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Franco Petroli, 21-year-old goalkeeper from the reserves team, has prolonged his contract until 2022. Franco has been at the club since he was only 10 and has gone on to represent youth Argentine NTs at the U-15, U-17, and U-20 levels.

German Lux and Enrique Bologna only have 3 months remaining on their contracts as of now. The idea of River's board is to release them and begin giving more importance to Centurion and Petroli (as they already intended to do last year before both GKs' contracts were ultimately extended for another season), although Gallardo will have final say.

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Lucas Pratto is being tracked from Brazil (where he left a very positive image, especially in Atletico Mineiro) and Jorge Carrascal has some interest from European clubs, although no formal offers have arrived for either player. For now, nothing more than some eyes being placed on them from afar, although River will listen to proposals if they are presented.

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20-year-old playmaker Jeremias Rodriguez Puch, who was a sparring for the Argentine NT at the 2018 World Cup, has been released as a free agent. No word yet on where the youngster will continue his career.

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STAY SAFE EVERYONE! ​

 

Juan Fernando Quintero expresses his desire to continue playing for River

"En River encontré mi lugar en el fútbol después de muchos años. Creo que uno es feliz donde quiere estar. Y yo estoy donde quiero estar y en el lugar en el que soy feliz."

"No entiendo a veces lo que sale por ahí. Hace mucho tiempo vienen con que Juanfer no juega, que se quiere ir... Yo no veo redes, me informan mis familiares y amigos por mensaje. No me importa lo que dicen. .... De mi boca nunca salió querer irme. El día que yo quiera irme, seré el primero en hablar con los directivos y con el cuerpo técnico, a los que le tengo un gran respeto. Estoy donde quiero estar." ​

https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/juanfer-quintero-river-lugar-futbol_0_-1Pbfx6IN.html


... sorry @HomietheClown

 

Hace dos días atrás, Gallardo y D'onofrio tuvieron una charla larga e "informativa", ya que el técnico estaba preocupado por como afecta este párate a la economía de River, y cuáles pueden ser las consecuencias de cara a lo que viene. En pocas palabras, el presidente le dijo que para seguir manteniendo este ciclo exitoso, deberán reducir salarios en estos meses, y en el próximo mercado de pases, desprenderse de dos o tres jugadores titulares, como minimo.​

 

Nothing at the moment... COVID-19 has put the market on standby. With no clear indication of when the ball will get rolling once again, clubs are desisting from making moves until the smoke clears.

It is yet to be seen how the pandemic will affect the transfer market. Many analysts are speculating that European clubs will tone it down considerably when it comes to buying players. We see global giants like Barcelona and Juventus implementing significant wage cuts, indicating financial instability even for the richest, most opulent teams. That is not to say they won't be going out in the market looking for players, but perhaps we will see less exuberant fees than we had been seeing in recent years (think Dembele, Bale, Maguire, etc.). But if the big dogs are struggling, what does it leave for the smaller European sides (Betis, Udinese, Genoa, etc.) who are regular potential buyers of our players?

At the same time, River is in dire need to sell players to balance out the club's finances, another circumstance the Europeans could exploit to acquire players for less than their actual values/release clauses. Lucas Martinez Quarta, for example, is being sought by Inter Milan and Valencia... although both sides could probably easily pay his €22M release clause, they have both already expressed no intent to do so and are trying to negotiate a deal for less (presumably in the 10-15M region). Valencia, West Ham, Betis, Crystal Palace, and a few other European sides are also eyeing Gonzalo Montiel, but similarly to MQ they are trying to acquire him for less than his release fee.

However firm D'Onofrio may have been in the past with his policy of demanding contract release fees, the virus may change all that... the club economy is crumbling due to the number of high-profile players in the squad (Pratto --the best paid player in Argentina--, Nacho Fernandez --given a big raise in January--, Pinola, Enzo Perez, etc) + Gallardo and Francescoli's substantial contracts. On top of all that you have to add overdue payments for past transfers: in the last week Belgrano have gone to FIFA demanding owed money for Suarez's transfer, Liverpool (URU) claim River still owes $1,000,000 for De La Cruz, and Godoy Cruz are still waiting for $700,000 from Angileri.

You are right that Rafael Santos Borre is a candidate to leave, as Crystal Palace are very keen on counting with him next season. Not only is the Colombian thirsty for revenge in Europe, but a buy-back condition in his contract could facilitate a move if Atletico Madrid decides to get involved. Although the Spaniards aren't exactly planning on buying him back to reinforce their squad, the low value of the clause (€7M) could be taken advantage of as a way to make a quick buck (buying just to sell to the English side).

Nicolas De La Cruz's agent has been trying to get European teams interested in his name, although no one has come forward formally with an offer. It is hard for me to imagine him leaving during this window, especially since River only owns 30% of his transfer.... say a team offers $10M (which even that I don't see happening). Would it be worth it for River to lose a young starter for just $3M? In fact, just to recuperate what we invested in him (without profit) a sale of $15M or more would have to be made.

Jorge Carrascal, on the other hand, does have a few European teams interested in him. Ajax kept a close eye during this year's Pre-Olympic Tournament, and Roma and Juventus have also shown interest since. However, an important offer would have to be made since River bought his transfer just months ago and he was barely starting to get settled in the squad.

Kevin Sibille has been released as a free agent. His only participation in Primera was in River's 4-0 loss to Talleres. No word yet on where the 21-year-old will continue his career.

David Martinez has extended his loan with Defensa y Justicia for another year (til June 2021). The 22-year-old centerback accumulated 22 games this season between the Superliga and the suspended Libertadores, putting in good performances as DyJ claimed a 6th place finish in the Argentine league. El Halcon will have the option to buy his transfer for $2,000,000 at any point of the loan.

"Me encantaría poder jugar aunque sea una temporada en River, pero ahora me toca esperar y dar lo mejor en el Halcón. Lo pensé durante varios días, pero elegí quedarme acá porque sé que si hubiese vuelto a River no habría tenido el rodaje que vengo teniendo acá. Un año más en Defensa es lo ideal: tomé una buena decisión," contó el central zurdo​

We still have to see what will happen with Ignacio Scocco... the suspense continues. The rumor of a move to Internacional (BRA) has been officially denied, but we have yet to see if he choose River or Newell's.

Others that could leave include Ignacio Fernandez and Lucas Pratto. Coudet is still keen on signing Nacho for Inter, and River may now accept an offer they previously discarded from the Brazilians (~7M). Pratto doesn't have any formal proposals, but a move could happen if an interested party comes forward due to his practically unpayable contract and his status as a sub.

In terms of reinforcements, not much can be done until the panorama clears up a bit, but for now Alex Vigo (20-year-old; Colon), Francisco Gerometta (20-year-old; Union), Facundo Nadalin (22-year-old; Newell's) are options Gallardo has in mind in the likely case a replacement for Montiel is needed.

Paradela (Gimnasia), Moreno (Newell's), Cacciabue (Newell's), and Nahuel Bustos (Talleres) are offensive options Gallardo has been weighing since last year, but that doesn't mean the club will be making moves for them for now.

Players set to return from their loans in June include Lollo, Moran Correa, Arzura, Moreira, Picazzo, Moya, and Auzqui. Of the pack only Jorge Moreira has chances of being permanently bought by the club in which he's at loan, although the Timbers surprisingly haven't presented an offer yet. Although it was previously considered practically a matter of time before the MLS side bought his transfer (the loan buyout clause is only $1.5M), the Paraguayan publicly expressed his desire for another chance in River today:

"Me gustaría volver a mitad de año y tener esa oportunidad, sabiendo que hoy por hoy estoy bien física y futbolísticamente. Pase lindos momentos con el club y el grupo", sostuvo Moreira en una entrevista concedida a "ABC Color". "En River, después de la lesión me costó agarrar ritmo y estar al cien por ciento porque casi ni jugaba, necesitaba sentirme importante en el equipo. Esta oportunidad la aproveché al máximo para sentirme bien y ver otras opciones a futuro", agregó Moreira.
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It is worth noting that at the moment River has all 6 foreigner slots occupied (Quintero, Borre, De La Cruz, Rojas, Paulo Diaz, Carrascal), meaning the only way Moreira could be eligible to play upon a hypothetical return is if River sells a foreigner or if De La Cruz finalizes his Argentine naturalization process.

Btw, welcome to BigSoccer @vandenlpf ! Hope to see you around...