The top 5 of the transfer market: the most excited, the bets and the unknowns of Argentine football 2024

The transfer market Argentine football It moves as best it can, trying to avoid the economic problems the country is experiencing and trying to compete with once smaller markets that are now tempting with foreign currency payments. For years, departures were more important than arrivals, but in rummage The clubs move forward, invest in safety and debate between bets and unknowns.

Avellaneda’s two teams were the ones who started the transfer market in the most aggressive way: they closed with four reinforcements each. In the same melody it passes Saint Lawrencewho will play Copa Libertadores. Mouth AND RiverFor their part, they are still waiting.

It will be a 2024 with a lot of competition and with the Copa América in the middle of the year, which will tighten all the calendars and require long teams with the ability to change. Furthermore, foreign leagues will be eager to sign “low cost” players, who in turn will leave younger and younger.

In football nothing is guaranteed, but some additions are taken as such certainties. This means that these are already established actors and a certain hierarchy who, in principle, should have no difficulty in adapting.

The 5 exciting away games

Boca’s new coach, Diego Martínez, analyzed that the position that urgently needed strengthening was the right central marker. and in that place Cristian Lema has stood out in recent years. He comes from Lanús in exchange for 400,000 dollars. He is 33 years old and has long experience in the First Division: he has played 332 games with 31 goals. He had European experience at Benfica. He has remarkable presence and aerial play. He is a heavy footballer and it could cost him dearly if Boca were too high up the pitch.

In Independiente Carlos Tevez asked for an area attacker and all roads lead to this Gabriele Avalos. The 33-year-old Paraguayan has scored 47 goals in 122 duels at Argentinos and is usually called up to his country’s national team. His only experience in a big club was at Peñarol de Montevideo: he played 7 games between 2016 and 2017 and didn’t score a goal.

The big shot on the market could be what Estudiantes gives during the hiring phase Enzo Perez, who said goodbye to River in tears and in disagreement with coach Martín Demichelis. Even if the step is not completely closed, the cast of La Plata has already warned that the agreement is total. The 37-year-old from Mendoza returns to the club after 12 years to play in the Copa Libertadores and to replace Jorge Rodríguez, who was sold to Rayados de Monterrey.

Another who left River and returned to an old love is Bruno Zuculini. “I’m very happy to return to Racing. It was something I really wanted. Maybe it took a few days, but the important thing is that it could be done and I’m very happy,” explained the 30-year-old central midfielder. He added: “It was always my first option. That’s what I told my rep and my dad, that was a big part of it. Running was the only option I had. Luckily today I realize my dream of to be able to return after 10 years” . Zucu Not only will he become a regular in Gustavo Costas’ cast: he will also be a reference.

In silence, Vélez closed the talented Matías Pellegrini. The 23-year-old left-footed midfielder has signed until 2026; He can play as a wing or as a receiver. In 2020, Estudiantes de La Plata sold him to MLS for $8 million. He had participations in the Under 17 and Under 20 national teams.

The bets for 2024

Undoubtedly the role of central midfielder is one of the most sought after on the market. To fill the void of Enzo Pérez, River has signed the Uruguayan Nicola Fonseca, who signed for 3 seasons and for whom they were paid just over 2 million dollars for 60% of the pass. Little is known about this 25-year-old midfielder born in Italy, son of Daniel, former Juventus and River striker, among many. He started his career in Novara and had good success in River de Montevideo and Wanderes. He has no participation in the Uruguayan national team.

Rosario Central, who will play the Copa Libertadores, has closed the finish line Franco Ibarra22-year-old midfielder who shone in a few games with Argentinos and was signed by MLS’ Atlanta in 2021. “I will always leave everything in every ball. You will never see me give up: I will try to leave.” my soul and my life in there,” he warned in his presentation.

Ruben Darío Insua has chosen Eric Rimedi replacing Jalil Elías, the midfielder arrives at a good age (28 years old) and after having spent an excellent semester at Banfield. He’s an old midfielder: he fits in between the central defenders and doesn’t waste too much time with the ball. He bonds more with defenders than with attackers; he brings balance. Why is he a bet and not a fixed bet? Because he will try on the shirt of a big club for the first time. “I’m very happy to be here. It’s an important step in my career,” Remedi said.

In the end Racing and Godoy Cruz trusted Facundo Cambeses It’s inside Franco Petroli, respectively, guarding the arches. Cambeses, 26, will compete for a place with Gabriel Arias, who plays for Estudiantes. Petroli (25), on the other hand, trained at River, played a superlative 2023 at Estudiantes de Río Cuarto and came to replace captain Diego Russian Rodriguez. Tomba, who will play for Libertadores, bought half of the pass from Núñez’s team.

The unknowns of the year in Argentine football

The vast majority of incorporations could be grouped in this section. Johan Romana He is a 25-year-old Colombian central defender who joined San Lorenzo on loan from Austin FC in the United States. The defender, who had a good 2023 at Olimpia in Paraguay, will try to replace Rafel Pérez.

Emanuele Mammana He is a quality player, but the question is how his physical condition will react during his stay at Vélez. Continuous knee injuries did not allow him to add many minutes to River. He is only 27 years old.

Silvio Romero He returned to the Instituto after a couple of seasons in Brazilian football. At 35, the former Independiente player is betting on an excellent pre-season. Marcelino MorenoMeanwhile, he returns to Lanús after 3 seasons in MLS and one in Brazil.

Avellanedas also played all their matches: Racing signed the Corrientes native Massimiliano Salas26 years old, who played for All Boys, O’Higgins, Necexa and Palestino and Indpendiente