Zeballos could bid farewell to Boca against Universidad Católica | OneFootball

This Thursday at La Bombonera, Boca will be playing for a place in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Universidad Católica. In a heated match where there is no room for error, Xeneize could also be facing the farewell of one of the biggest gems from its youth academy: Exequiel Zeballos. The club is expecting an offer from Napoli to complete his sale in the mid-year transfer window.

The truth is that talks over renewing Changuito’s contract have reached a dead end, and that is why both sides agreed to look for a way out, since neither wants him to leave on a free transfer. In that context, the Italian club appeared on the scene, reportedly having already agreed terms with the player and set to submit an offer in the coming days to move forward with buying his transfer rights.

Zeballos’ release clause is 15 million euros, and with just six months left before he becomes a free agent, it is difficult for Napoli to pay that amount. The figures being discussed at the La Ribera club are around 10 to 12 million, which would be enough to seal the transfer. In any case, since there is still nothing official from Napoli, the only concrete thing is that the club is ready for his departure.

The decision is clear: if he does not renew his contract, Changuito must be sold in this transfer window. Boca is not willing to let the 24-year-old forward enter the final six months of his contract at the club, because that would open the door for him to negotiate freely with other teams and leave with his transfer in hand starting in January 2027.

Fate has given him a chance, and it remains to be seen whether Zeballos will make the most of it. A substitute after his serious muscle injury, the Santiago del Estero native now has the opportunity to return to the starting lineup in a crucial match due to the injuries to Adam Bareiro and Miguel Merentiel (who they still are not fully ready to rule out). Alongside Milton Giménez, Changuito will have the chance at his feet to say goodbye to his fans with an unforgettable Copa night. Universidad Católica will be his last opponent.

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