Gallardo’s Dilemma: Aliendro Nears Vélez Move

Gallardo‘s Departure Rings in a New Era at River Plate as squad Decisions Take Centre Stage

River Plate finds itself at a pivotal juncture following the departure of its iconic coach,Marcelo Gallardo. As the club navigates this transition, several player decisions highlight the evolving dynamics within the squad and the considerations of the new coaching staff. Among the most notable is the impending move of Rodrigo Aliendro,a decision influenced by a deep-seated family connection and a strategic assessment of the team’s future.

Aliendro’s journey with River Plate is intertwined with the legacy of Gallardo’s father, Máximo. Máximo Gallardo,a respected figure in youth football,coached aliendro in the Gallardo Foundation’s children’s team. This period laid the groundwork for a relationship that extends beyond the pitch, with Aliendro’s children now sharing friendships with Gallardo’s youngest sons, Mateo and Benjamín. This familial bond, however, did not solely dictate Aliendro’s future at the club. Gallardo himself cited the importance of prioritizing River Plate’s present and future over personal affections when making squad choices.

This approach was also evident in the cases of Franco Armani and Enzo Pérez,players Gallardo held in high regard,though their relationships were not as intimate as with Aliendro. Though, the decisions regarding Matías rojas and Gonzalo Tapia, while perhaps less emotionally charged for the coach, underscore a broader trend.Both players are reported to have experienced what Gallardo termed the “River Syndrome,” a phenomenon he alluded to after a recent victory, suggesting a difficulty in adapting or performing to expectations.

Aliendro is expected to finalize the termination of his contract with River Plate imminently, with his current deal expiring in December. He is poised to join Vélez sarsfield, a move seemingly favored over potential transfers to Central or Estudiantes.This decision is partly attributed to Guillermo Barros schelotto’s endorsement of Aliendro, recognizing the need for experienced players to guide a team heavily featuring young talent.

The situations of other players facing uncertain futures at River Plate are also coming into focus. The departures of Lanzini and Kranevitter present more complex scenarios. Lanzini has reportedly garnered interest from MLS clubs, but offers from Argentine clubs with less robust financial standing have not proven enticing. Tapia, meanwhile, is nearing a move to San Pablo, where he will join Crespo’s team on loan until December 2026, with an option for River Plate to receive $100,000 and a potential $2 million buyout clause. the club has clarified that Tapia’s addition was a directorial decision. Rojas, on the other hand, is actively exploring opportunities in MLS, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil as his time with River Plate draws to a close.

How might Aliendro’s departure affect Gallardo’s preferred midfield formations and necessitate a change in tactical approach?

The Potential Impact on River Plate’s Midfield

The looming transfer of Santiago Aliendro from River plate to Vélez Sarsfield presents a important challenge for River coach Marcelo Gallardo.This isn’t simply about losing a squad player; Aliendro has become a valuable component of River’s tactical adaptability, especially in their midfield rotations.The potential departure forces Gallardo to reassess his options and potentially accelerate plans for midfield reinforcements. This situation is a key talking point in Argentine football transfer news.

Aliendro’s Role at River Plate: A Tactical Analysis

Aliendro’s strengths lie in his versatility. He’s capable of playing as a deep-lying midfielder, a box-to-box player, and even in a more advanced role.

Defensive Contribution: Aliendro consistently demonstrates a strong work rate, winning tackles and intercepting passes.

Passing Range: He possesses a good passing range,capable of both short,incisive passes and longer,more aspiring balls.

Tactical Discipline: Gallardo trusts Aliendro to execute tactical instructions effectively, making him a reliable option in various formations.

Recent performance: His performances in the recent Copa Libertadores qualifying stages were particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

His departure leaves a void that won’t be easily filled,impacting River’s overall squad depth and tactical options. The Millonarios faithful are closely following this River Plate transfer saga.

Vélez Sarsfield’s Pursuit: Why Aliendro is a Target

Vélez Sarsfield, under coach Alexander Medina, are actively rebuilding their squad. Aliendro fits their profile of a dynamic, hard-working midfielder who can contribute both defensively and offensively.

Vélez’s Midfield Needs and Aliendro’s Fit

Vélez has been looking to strengthen their midfield following a somewhat inconsistent season. They need a player who can:

1. Provide steel in Midfield: A player capable of breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the defence.
2. Offer passing Quality: Someone who can dictate tempo and create chances.
3. Bring Experience: Aliendro’s experience playing in high-pressure situations for River Plate is a significant asset.

Vélez’s interest is well-documented in Argentine sports media, wiht reports suggesting a formal offer has been made. The potential transfer fee is a key point of negotiation.This move is seen as a strategic investment for Vélez, aiming to improve their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

Gallardo’s Potential Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

With Aliendro seemingly on his way out, Gallardo faces a crucial decision: how to replace him? Several options are available, both within the current squad and through potential signings.

Internal Solutions

Nacho Fernández: A versatile player who can fill multiple roles, including midfield. However, relying heavily on Fernández could stretch his workload.

Kranevitter: Offers defensive solidity but lacks Aliendro’s passing range.

Pérez: A promising young talent, but potentially lacking the experience to immediately step into Aliendro’s role.

Potential Transfer Targets

River Plate is reportedly scouting several midfielders, including:

Alan Varela (Boca Juniors): A highly-rated young midfielder, but a move from their rivals would be complex.

Fausto Vera (Argentinos Juniors): A dynamic midfielder with a good passing range, attracting interest from several clubs.

Rodrigo Aliendro (brother of Santiago): A less-known option, but potentially a cost-effective solution.

Gallardo may also consider tactical adjustments, such as shifting to a different formation or altering the roles of existing players. the superclásico rivalry adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer dealings.

The Financial Implications for both Clubs

The transfer also has significant financial implications for both River Plate and Vélez sarsfield. River will be looking to recoup a significant portion of Aliendro’s value, while Vélez will need to structure a deal that fits within their budget.

River Plate’s Viewpoint

River Plate operates under a relatively strict financial model, prioritizing sustainability. Any funds generated from Aliendro’s sale will likely be reinvested in strengthening other areas of the squad. They will aim to maximize the transfer fee, potentially through add-ons and performance-based clauses.

Vélez Sarsfield’s Financial Constraints

Vélez Sarsfield, like many Argentine clubs, faces financial challenges. They will need to carefully manage their resources to afford Aliendro’s wages and transfer fee. A loan deal with an option to buy could be a viable option. The Argentine Primera División transfer market is often characterized by complex negotiations and financial constraints.