European chase intensifies as Galarza set to exit River Plate

In a bustling Buenos Aires training ground, the buzz around Matías Galarza grew louder after his standout World Cup performances, yet the midfielder’s future at River Plate looks set to end, with both head coach Marcelo Gallardo and interim boss Eduardo Coudet excluding him from next season’s plans.

The Paraguayan midfielder, who previously played for Vasco and Coritiba, saw his market value rise after the World Cup, prompting interest from several European clubs, with Italy emerging as the most probable destination.

His representative, Regis Marques, confirmed that concrete proposals are already on the table and that the strongest offer comes from an Italian side, while he added that other clubs have also expressed interest and that a final decision will likely be taken closer to the transfer‑window deadline.

Marques stressed that Galarza will not be sold for less than the price his representatives consider appropriate, insisting on a contract that matches his current career stage, and confirming that both his agents and River Plate are working exclusively toward a permanent transfer.

River Plate has already dismissed the idea of another loan for the player, noting that the decision to negotiate a sale was made before the World Cup and remained unchanged despite his impressive displays for Paraguay.

Both the Argentine club and the player’s camp agree that a definitive sale this window is the best alternative, and a new loan is not being considered by either party.

Marques also criticised River Plate’s handling of the situation, describing the player’s marginalisation as a mistaken move, yet he reiterated that his focus remains on securing the most suitable destination for Galarza.

Galarza arrived at River Plate in mid‑2025 from Talleres, but managed only 14 appearances without scoring or assisting, and lost further playing time after a costly mistake in the Torneio Clausura knockout round against Racing, which sealed his exclusion from Gallardo’s plans.

In February, he was loaned to Atlanta United in the United States; the MLS club held an option to acquire 50 % of his economic rights for US$3 million, a clause tied to a minimum number of matches that was never fulfilled.

Paraguay’s national team coach Gustavo Alfaro publicly praised Galarza’s World Cup performances, questioning why he lacked space at River Plate and asserting that a player capable of competing against nations such as Germany and France would be valuable to any team.