Galoppo's buyout missed by seconds, River future in doubt | OneFootball

In the agonizing 3-2 defeat of River against Racing in the round of 16 of the Clausura Tournament, an unusual situation occurred, which went unnoticed due to the painful elimination of the Millionaire. The Núñez team was seconds away from having to execute the purchase obligation for Giuliano Galoppo, as if Gastón Martirena hadn't scored that goal in the 93rd minute and the match had gone into overtime, the set clause would have been fulfilled.

If the midfielder, who emerged from Banfield's youth ranks, played 45 minutes in at least half of the 2025 matches, River was obliged to buy 60% of his card for 3.2 million dollars. Against Racing, he played 34 minutes, so he didn't reach that figure and was on the edge: out of the 54 matches the Millionaire played that year, he reached that threshold in 26.

Galoppo is one of the many players under scrutiny, and it is uncertain what will happen with them next year. In the press conference following the elimination, Marcelo Gallardo explained that he will take these days off until the start of the next preseason to begin a restructuring process that will involve a significant squad overhaul. Names like Miguel Ángel Borja, Paulo Díaz, or Gonzalo Martínez will leave the club, and the continuity of others like Enzo Pérez, Fabricio Bustos, or Facundo Colidio is also in doubt.

The 26-year-old midfielder arrived at River in January, on loan from São Paulo. The operation generated significant media buzz as the Millionaire "stole" him from Boca, who had also made a contractual offer to the player. A call from the "Muñeco" was key to tipping the balance in favor of the Núñez team.

He started as an important player for Gallardo, featuring in the first six matches of the Apertura. However, a strain in one of his thighs and the arrival of Kevin Castaño relegated him in the coach's consideration. He was no longer an undisputed starter, but he frequently came on and was part of the eleven when the Millionaire's schedule was tight. In the Clausura, he played 13 of the 16 matches and ended as the team's top scorer with five goals.

Despite his numbers with the Red Band not being negative (seven goals and one assist in 34 matches), his performance in the last few games was a point of criticism from the fans. Now it remains to be seen if Gallardo and the management think the same or are willing to negotiate the price of a future transfer.

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