Boca Juniors: Big Names and Record Signings

The Xeneizes have kicked off the year with some major moves in the transfer market to bolster their squad. The standout signing is attacking midfielder Alan Velasco, brought in from FC Dallas for $10 million, making him the second most expensive signing in the club’s history, right behind Juan Román Riquelme’s return in 2007.

Other confirmed additions for 2025 include Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera, joining from Athletic Bilbao, and Rodrigo Battaglia, arriving from Atlético Mineiro, the runners-up of the last Copa Libertadores. Also joining are Chilean winger Carlos Palacios (formerly of Colo Colo) and defender Ayrton Costa, returning from Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

Boca is still on the hunt for a goalkeeper, a center-back, and a defensive midfielder. One target is Chilean Williams Alarcón, currently playing for Huracán. On the competition side, Boca will kick off their campaign on January 22 in the Copa Argentina against Argentino de Monte Maíz. They also face a packed international schedule, including the Club World Cup, where they’ll compete in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Auckland City.

River Plate: Ambitious Moves and Long-Awaited Returns

Los Millonarios have also shaken up the market with five confirmed signings. The headliners include Enzo Pérez (from Estudiantes de La Plata), Matías Rojas (formerly of Inter Miami), Gonzalo Tapia (from Universidad Católica), Giuliano Galoppo (ex-São Paulo), and the return of Lucas Martínez Quarta from Fiorentina.

Under coach Marcelo Gallardo, River is working to finalize deals for the return of Gonzalo Montiel (from Sevilla) and Sebastián Driussi (from Austin FC). However, negotiations for Leonardo Fernández and Jonathan Calleri fell through.

River’s jam-packed calendar includes two Professional League Cups, the Copa Argentina, the 2023 Supercopa Internacional final against Talleres de Córdoba, the Copa Libertadores, and the Club World Cup, where they’ll face the likes of Inter Milan, Rayados de Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds in Group E.