More than money: why Ander Herrera chose to renew with Boca

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La Número 12

·15. Januar 2026

More than money: why Ander Herrera chose to renew with Boca

Boca took the first step in 2026. After more than a week of preseason at the Ezeiza Complex, Claudio Úbeda's team drew 0-0 against Millonarios at La Bombonera in the first preparatory friendly for the Miguel Ángel Russo Cup. The result took a back seat, and all eyes were on the performance of Ander Herrera.

The Basque with a past at Athletic Club had a 2025 full of ups and downs. Although he ended the last months adding a good amount, his year was characterized by being more off the field than on it due to constant injuries. A situation that caused his future at Xeneize to hang by a thread.

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Herrera played one half, but was the team's standout.

Before the season ended, the native of Bilbao had the chance to execute the automatic renewal option but decided to let the time expire. He felt he did not meet expectations due to his physical problems. He took some days to rethink his future and while on vacation, he chose to sign the renewal with a significant salary reduction.

After the goalless draw against Millonarios, Ander Herrera revealed that “I took a few days in Spain, and after 3-4 days I missed this a lot, the club knew I would sign whatever they put on the table because I like this club, this stadium, being part of this, and I can afford to fulfill the dream of playing at Boca without prioritizing other aspects.”

Thus, it is clear that the 36-year-old midfielder put aside the financial aspect. His new contract amount was not disclosed, but it would indicate a reduction of about 30% compared to his 2025 salary. After signing, he sealed his new bond until December 2026, where he would have a productivity clause.

The Spaniard decided to continue at the club.

Ander Herrera compared the Libertadores to the Champions

With 10 days to the start of the regular season, debuting against Deportivo Riestra in the Torneo Apertura, Boca's main objective is the Copa Libertadores, a competition they will return to after two years.

Ander will play the Libertadores with Boca.

This season, Ander Herrera will have the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing the most important continental tournament in America and dared to compare it with the European competition. “We know what the Libertadores means, a cup as prestigious as the Champions in Europe. With the humility of not having played it for 2 years, but with the ambition of being a cup team,” he highlighted in a conversation with “ESPN” after the friendly.