River Plate has completed the signing of central defender Francisco Álvarez from Argentinos Juniors in a deal worth approximately 6 million dollars. The agreement was finalized this Thursday, according to the initial report from sports outlet Ole, following weeks of negotiations between the boards of both clubs.
Francisco Álvarez, 26, arrives at the Millionaire to strengthen the defensive line. The player, developed at San Martín de San Juan, has been a key piece for El Bicho this season, playing 27 matches and accumulating 2,459 minutes on the pitch. He has also contributed three goals, demonstrating his threat from set-pieces. His performance had put him on the radar of several top clubs, including Boca Juniors in this same transfer window.
How did the negotiation develop?
The talks began with an initial offer from River Plate of 3 million dollars for 50% of the defender's transfer rights. However, the Argentinos Juniors board maintained a firm stance, demanding 6 million for 70% of the player's economic rights. This response temporarily halted the progress of the operation, as River did not present an immediate counter-offer.
The good relationship between the clubs, built after the transfer of Tobías Ramírez in late March, was a factor that ultimately facilitated the understanding. That previous sale helped Argentinos Juniors balance their accounts following their elimination in Phase 2 of the Copa Libertadores. "u$s 6 million for the 70%," was the clear position of El Bicho's board, as reported by Ole.
Which other defenders did River consider?
River's search for a central defender was not limited to Francisco Álvarez. The club also evaluated Juan Giménez, a 20-year-old defender from Rosario Central who recently recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. However, priority was always placed on the Argentinos Juniors player.
The final decision to advance in the transfer market depended on two key variables. The first was the possible transfer of Lautaro Rivero, a player at River, although no formal offers arrived from Arab markets in recent days. The second variable was the continuity of Lucas Martínez Quarta in the squad. Some searches, like that for Willer Ditta from Cruz Azul, were ruled out as impossible.
How does Costantini's injury affect the situation?
The serious injury to Giorgio Costantini, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee on Monday, accelerated the need for a reinforcement. Medical reports must be submitted to the AFA within five business days of the injury. If the player's recovery exceeds four months, the club is granted an extra roster spot, giving them ten additional business days to sign a local player.
It is likely that River Plate will submit the formal request to activate this regulatory variant. The club's extended transfer window, which ran until Wednesday at 18:00 due to the sale of a player abroad after July 24, added urgency to operations. The closures of the Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabian markets, with staggered dates until October, also influenced the decision-making calendar.
Where does Álvarez fit into the squad?
Francisco Álvarez arrives to compete for a place in River Plate's central defense. His experience in the Liga Profesional and his physical solidity are attributes valued by the coaching staff. Fans can follow the evolution of the full squad on our squad page.
With this addition, River Plate seeks greater depth to face domestic and international commitments. The upcoming fixtures, available in our fixtures section, will test the new reinforcement. The defender signed a four-season contract and will wear the number 4 shirt.
