Unión’s gems: Esquivel, Nardoni and Zenón secure future income

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·27 November 2025

Unión’s gems: Esquivel, Nardoni and Zenón secure future income

Unión de Santa Fe has high economic expectations placed on three of its most valuable former players: Lucas Esquivel, Juan Nardoni, and Kevin Zenón. The club from Santa Fe retains a percentage of the transfer rights for each of them, which could mean significant income in the near future, regardless of the fact that they are no longer at the institution.

The Juan Nardoni Scenario (Racing)

Current Situation: Unión holds 30% of the midfielder's transfer rights.
Racing's Purchase Option: Racing Club has the option to acquire an additional 15% for $750,000 USD. This option will be activated if Nardoni plays in 50% of Racing's matches until the end of the year (12/31), with the payment deadline set for May 2026. If Racing buys, Unión will retain 15% for a future transfer.
Capital Gain Clause: Unión also has a capital gain clause of 10% on any amount exceeding 8 million dollars in a future sale of the player. For example, if he is sold for $10 million, Unión would receive 10% of the $2 million difference ($200,000 USD).

The Future of Kevin Zenón (Boca Juniors)

Current Situation: Unión retains 20% of the rights to the talented midfielder.
Transfer to Europe: Zenón was close to being transferred to Europe in the last transfer window, with interest from Olympiacos of Greece, who offered $7 million dollars for 80% of his rights (although Boca was asking for $10 million).
Change of Plans at Boca: According to reports, Boca's qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores could change the scenario of an immediate sale in January, as they would like Zenón to be a key piece in the team.
Details of the Sale to Boca: The Xeneize club acquired 80% of his rights for $3.5 million dollars almost two years ago. The deal also included 25% of Mauro Luna Diale's rights for Unión and the loan of Simón Rivero.

The Percentage of Lucas Esquivel (Athletico Paranaense)

Current Situation: Unión owns 10% of the defender's economic rights.
Interest from River: At the beginning of 2025, the player was close to being transferred to River Plate for a sum close to $4.5 million dollars, a deal that ultimately did not go through.

President Luis Spahn and the Tatengue management are closely monitoring upcoming offers, since even though they do not have decision-making power over the sale prices, they do have contractually guaranteed percentages in each of the future transactions involving these three footballers.