Lucas Alario's tumultuous stint with Internacional is coming to an end as the striker prepares to return to Argentina to join Estudiantes. Once hailed as one of the marquee signings of the 2024 season, Alario's time at the Beira-Rio was marred by missed opportunities and injuries, leading to his decision to maneuver for a departure from the club.
Since arriving from Germany, the 32-year-old forward faced intense scrutiny for his inability to secure a starting position. Over the course of 36 matches played, Alario netted just five goals, including notable performances where he scored against rivals during the Gauchão.
Despite initial optimism, his adaptation to Brazilian football did not meet expectations, and he found himself frequently overshadowed by teammates Rafael Borré and Enner Valencia. Consequently, many fans and sports analysts are left pondering, what went wrong for Alario at Internacional?
Negotiations have been underway for weeks, with Alario initially considering offers from Nacional, Uruguay, but financial terms prevented any agreement. According to reports, the Argentine striker's desire to return to his homeland was pivotal, and Estudiantes emerged as the ideal fit to reinvigorate his career.
Sources close to the situation confirmed Alario's willingness to terminate his contract with Internacional, which was set to expire in December 2025, to facilitate his move to Estudiantes. "Lucas Alario is set to become a reinforcement for Estudiantes," confirmed sports journalist Thiago Alvarez Rico.
Alario's lackluster goal record at Internacional contrasts sharply with the expectations placed upon him at the time of his signing, especially after he had performed well during previous stints at clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and River Plate. His inability to capitalize on the chances provided, coupled with persistent health issues, limited his impact on the pitch.
With Estudiantes preparing for the forthcoming Libertadores tournament, they see Alario as the experienced player needed to bolster their attacking line-up. Preliminary documents have already been endorsed, indicating he will join the club on a contract believed to last until December 2026.
Notably, this transition aligns with Estudiantes’ strategy to reinforce their squad, bolstered by financial backing from Foster Gillett, allowing them to afford Alario’s acquisition. With significant investment aimed at improving the squad depth, Alario is poised to be among several new faces at the La Plata club.
The transfer reflects more than just Alario's move; it's part of broader shifts as Internacional looks to reshape their roster for the upcoming season. With the Argentine league imminent, they are now exploring options to find replacements and strengthen their offensive capabilities.
Club insiders suggest the decision to let Alario leave was mutual, aimed at alleviating financial burdens and creating space for younger talents such as Ricardo Mathias, who are eager for first-team opportunities. The move also signals Internacional’s intent to revamp their strategy going forward as they aim for more competitive edges next season.
On the brighter side of Alario's transfer saga, observers are hopeful this opportunity will reignite his former brilliance as he returns to the Argentine league, where he previously thrived. This shift not only marks the end of one chapter for Alario but perhaps the beginning of another, where he may rediscover his goal-scoring form.
Although the official transfer announcement is pending, the football community is eagerly anticipating the paperwork to finalize Alario's path back to familiar grounds. Estudiantes is readying themselves for increased expectations with the integration of the experienced forward, and fans are optimistic about what he may bring to the squad.
With time running out before the opening of the new season, both Alario and Estudiantes are preparing for what lies ahead. Will this new chapter be the key to reviving Alario’s career and helping Estudiantes achieve their aspirations this upcoming year?