BUENOS AIRES — River Plate is strategically reshaping its midfield, securing Fausto Vera on a year-long loan from Atlético Mineiro with a purchase option, and setting sights on a more ambitious move for Santiago Ascacibar. The moves signal a shift in transfer policy for the Argentine powerhouse, prioritizing cost-effectiveness after significant investment in recent seasons.

A New Approach to Reinforcements

The acquisition of Vera, 25, represents a calculated risk. The loan agreement includes a purchase option ranging between $4 million and $4.5 million. River’s leadership, headed by President Stefano Di Carlo, is keen on controlling expenditure, having previously invested approximately $70 million on 16 players over the last three transfer windows with mixed results. This new strategy emphasizes loan deals with options to buy, allowing for thorough evaluation before committing to permanent transfers.

“We need to be smarter with our resources,” a source within the club, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this reporter. “The previous spending wasn’t sustainable, and we need to ensure any new additions genuinely improve the squad.”

Vera’s Return to Argentina

Vera’s move back to Argentina comes after a less-than-stellar season with Atlético Mineiro, where he struggled for consistent playing time under manager Jorge Sampaoli. Despite interest from Major League Soccer and Mexican clubs, Vera expressed a strong desire to join River Plate, a factor that expedited the deal. He previously played for Argentinos Juniors, Corinthians, and has 32 appearances this season across all competitions.

His career trajectory has been marked by significant transfers: from Argentinos Juniors to Corinthians for $7.5 million in 2022, and then to Atlético Mineiro for $4.5 million. While possessing technical skill and vision, Vera isn’t a traditional defensive midfielder, often thriving alongside a partner in the center of the pitch.

Ascacibar: A High-Value Target

River’s ambitions don’t stop with Vera. Santiago Ascacibar, 28, is the club’s primary target to solidify the midfield. Estudiantes president Juan Sebastián Verón has publicly acknowledged River’s interest, and negotiations are expected to intensify following the conclusion of the Trofeo de Campeones this weekend.

Ascacibar’s estimated transfer fee is at least $6 million, a substantial investment reflecting his perceived value. River recognizes the need for a commanding presence in midfield, having previously spent around $35 million on players like Matías Kranevitter, Rodrigo Villagra, Nicolás Fonseca, Kevin Castaño, and Juan Portillo, without achieving consistent success.

The Bigger Picture: Argentina’s Football Economy

River Plate’s shift in transfer strategy mirrors a broader trend in Argentine football. Economic instability and currency fluctuations have forced clubs to adopt more prudent financial practices. According to a recent report by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), clubs are increasingly relying on loan deals and creative financing options to navigate the challenging economic landscape. The AFA is also implementing stricter financial regulations to promote sustainability and prevent clubs from overspending.

The club is also implementing a new salary structure, capping base salaries at 60% with the remainder tied to performance-based incentives. This move aims to align player compensation with on-field contributions and improve overall financial discipline.

Pre-season training begins this Saturday at River Camp, with manager Marcelo Gallardo eager to integrate Vera and, hopefully, Ascacibar into the squad. The focus is clear: rebuild a midfield that has been a source of concern for the past three years and restore River Plate’s dominance in Argentine football.