Matías Rojas is set to make waves in Argentine football as he joins River Plate after parting ways with Inter Miami, where he played alongside Lionel Messi. The Paraguayan forward, known for his dynamic play, has been highly sought after, especially after being courted by Boca Juniors, but has chosen to bolster the ranks of the 'Millonarios'.
Rojas, 29, returns to South America following his stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, where he had notable success, being involved in 20 games and scoring nine goals. His tenure at the Inter Miami, particularly under the watchful eye of former coach Gerardo Martino, showcased his talent, making him one of the standout players during Messi's incursions.
According to Futebol Latino, the transfer to River Plate marks Rojas' fourth return to the Argentine Liga Profesional, having previously played with Lanús, Defensa y Justicia, and Racing Club. His recent performances included impactful contributions, but he found himself on the periphery of the team's plans under current coaches, resulting in his decision to leave the MLS as a free agent.
River Plate has been proactive, securing Rojas at no transfer fee, which is pivotal considering their current financial strategies. The club is reportedly working on freeing up spots for new players amid restrictions on foreign signings. This requires them to let go of two players, potentially uruguayans Agustín Sant'Anna and Nicolás Fonseca, to accommodate Rojas’ arrival.
The news of Rojas signing with River has stirred excitement among the club's fanbase and come as disheartening news for Boca Juniors, who had also expressed interest. Boca's coach, Fernando Gago, had personally requested Rojas' inclusion, but the move never materialized as River's interest took precedence.
While the business side of this transfer plays out, Rojas’ previous position with Boca symbolizes the intense rivalry between these two Argentine football giants. This competitive atmosphere is nothing new; their tussles have historically shaped the narrative of Argentine football.
Enzo Pérez, another major addition to River, is also making headlines as he passes his medical exams to rejoin the club, reminiscent of his first spell between 2017 and 2022, where he enjoyed success. Like Rojas, he has had connections with Boca but opted for River, showcasing the club's allure as they strengthen the squad.
Rojas’ choice reflects his ambition to play at the highest level, and the River's management has expressed confidence about integrating him smoothly with any necessary changes within the squad to comply with league regulations on foreign player slots.
His inclusion is expected to add offensive depth and creative flair to River Plate's setup, which has ambitions to reclaim its place at the top of Argentine football. Football insiders are keeping a close eye on how River will balance its foreign player quotas and whether this decision will trigger more movements within their roster.
Overall, the announcement of Matías Rojas joining River Plate signals not just another signing but also invigorates the ever-intense competition between River and Boca, set against the backdrop of rich footballing history and fervent fanbases. With new signings potentially on the way and the transfer window still open, every fan anticipates how these changes will impact the upcoming season matchups.