🤔 How much will River spend in the transfer market?

With the early elimination from the Clausura Tournament and the start of the holidays, River Plate has begun planning for the 2026 season. After the "terrible quarter" lamented by Marcelo Gallardo and the departure of several veterans, the management, led by Stefano Di Carlo, activated the "Transfer Market Operation" with a limited budget of 20 million dollars.

The new stance marks a drastic change from the substantial expenditures of previous windows, seeking specific reinforcements with a "tight wallet," especially given the looming possibility of not qualifying for the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

Positions to Strengthen

The squad overhaul forces the Millionaires to look for four specific positions in the January market:

1. A Left Back.

2. A Central Midfielder.

3. An Attacking Midfielder.

4. A Forward.

This spending plan will remain even if the club secures a spot in the Initial Phase of the Libertadores.

Who Tops the List?

The first name on the radar is forward Luciano Gondou (Zenit, Russia). River has already contacted the Russian club, where the player has not had the desired playing time, proposing a loan with an option or obligation to purchase. The forward has already given the green light, and River is awaiting Zenit's response.

For the attacking midfielder position, the management is considering two high-caliber options: the possible return of Claudio Echeverri (on loan from Manchester City) and the signing of Gianluca Prestianni (formerly of Vélez, currently at Benfica).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Marcos Brindicci - 2025 Getty Images