Ángel Romero on joining: reveals chat with Riquelme and brother Óscar | OneFootball

Ángel Romero became Boca's first signing in 2026. This Monday night, he landed in the country from his native Paraguay to seal his deal with the institution for the upcoming season, with the possibility of extending it for another year. He arrives as a free agent, following his stint with Brazil's Corinthians.

Ángel Romero's name was mentioned at Xeneize in 2020 and 2022, but negotiations did not go well on both occasions. However, as the saying goes: ‘third time's the charm’, Juan Román Riquelme picked up the phone again to contact the Paraguayan forward and fulfill the dream of having him at Boca.

Upon his arrival at Ezeiza, the 33-year-old attacker spoke with the press that was waiting for him and revealed that “it was all very easy because coming from Román and Boca, it is very enticing for the player. We had some options and closed with a big team and with greatness.” In just a few days, Ángel Romero and the club from La Ribera managed to seal the deal until December 2026.

However, the personal call with Juan Román Riquelme was not only important to finalize the operation, but he also had some talks with his brother Óscar, who played at the club between 2022 and 2023. “I was talking with Óscar and actually, Román called him to ask about my situation. We closed quickly, obviously, it takes a bit longer because of the paperwork, but I am very happy to receive that call,” he continued.

Ángel and Óscar Romero.

Ángel Romero had two spells at Corinthians (2014-2018 and 2023-2025) where he became one of the fans' most beloved players and one of the institution's idols. Wearing the Timao jersey, he scored 62 goals and provided 29 assists in 363 matches, being the sixth player in the Brazilian team's history with the most games played, behind Cássio, Fagner, Gil, Ralf, and Fábio Santos.

After being out of contract with the São Paulo team, Ángel Romero returned to Paraguay where he trained alone with his brother Óscar at the facilities that CONMEBOL has in Asunción. However, with the uncertainty of how he is physically after being without a team and regular play for just over a month, the forward reassured all the fans.

Óscar Romero played at Boca and now his brother Ángel will too.

“The pressure Boca has is always at the maximum. You have to be at 100% and I must get physically fit. I was almost a month without playing after the Copa de Brasil we had with Corinthians. Physically I am fine, but it is different to train separately than in a group. I lack game rhythm. There are consecutive matches and midweek games. I must get up to speed and be up to Boca's standards, which always has challenges and fights for big things,” he concluded.

Ángel Romero the first, Santiago Ascacibar the second

After the arrival of the 33-year-old Paraguayan, Xeneize also closed the signing of the midfielder from Estudiantes de La Plata. The club from La Ribera will disburse a sum less than 5 million dollars to acquire 80% of his rights.

Riquelme works in the transfer market.

In the negotiation for Ascacibar, Brian Aguirre was included. The winger will go to play at Pincha on loan for a season. The loan includes a clause to sell 50% of his pass in exchange for 2 million dollars.

Keep reading:

Boca's absences to visit Estudiantes

Official: Santiago Ascacibar will be Boca's second signing

Boca's ins and outs in the summer 2026 transfer market

The signing Boca added due to Alan Velasco's injury

Alan Velasco's injury confirmed: what it is and how long he will be out

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