Unión want Tagliamonte, but Racing may recall him after Arias exit | OneFootball

Gabriel Arias's decision not to renew his contract with Racing and to leave as a free agent at the end of the year shook the sports agenda in Avellaneda, but it could also have direct repercussions in Santa Fe. Unión will have to decide in the coming days what to do with Matías Tagliamonte, who had an outstanding second half of the season as the goalkeeper for Tatengue and for whom they have a purchase option of 500,000 dollars for 50% of his rights.

Before the news about Arias broke, the red-and-white management was considering requesting an extension of the loan from the Avellaneda club, without moving forward with the definitive acquisition of the goalkeeper. However, the situation has changed drastically.

According to reports from Buenos Aires, Racing might retain Tagliamonte to be the backup goalkeeper, especially due to the possible departure of Facundo Cambeses, who has established himself as the starter and could also move to international football. In this context, Unión risks losing him if they do not execute the purchase option.

The News That Altered the Scenario

“Bombshell at Racing: Gabriel Arias decided not to renew his contract and will leave as a free agent.” The 38-year-old goalkeeper will not continue at the Academy. This Monday, against Tigre at the Cilindro, will be his official farewell. He arrived in 2018, won five titles (including the 2019 Superliga with Eduardo Coudet), and became a key figure within the squad. However, relegated to the bench in recent months after Cambeses's consolidation — who even made it to the Argentine National Team — he chose to reject the renewal offer and seek new horizons.

His contract expires on December 31, and even though Racing could advance in the Clausura, he will no longer defend the goal in front of his fans.

Key Decision for Unión

With this scenario, Unión knows that Tagliamonte has gained a better standing in Racing's consideration, reducing the chances of a new loan. The Tatengue directors must quickly evaluate whether to invest the 500,000 dollars to ensure his continuity, a figure considered high in Santa Fe, but which could represent a strategic bet after his performance in the Clausura.

Failing to execute the option in a timely manner could leave the team without one of the highlights of the semester.

What Unión Thinks

-Initially: request another loan from Racing.

-Now: see the growing possibility that Racing might need him as a backup.

-Concrete Alternative: exercise the option and secure him.

-Risk: delaying the decision could mean losing the goalkeeper.

What Will Tatengue Decide?

Arias's departure reshuffled the scene in Avellaneda and, as a consequence, put Unión in a sporting and economic crossroads. Tagliamonte was one of the pillars in the last stretch of the season. Retaining him securely now only depends on acting before Racing defines its future under the goalposts. The ball is in Santa Fe's court.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.