Matías Rojas, the Paraguayan midfielder, is reportedly on the verge of joining River Plate after his recent stint with Inter Miami. The 29-year-old, who has previously played for Racing and Corinthians, left the MLS club due to decreased playing time and is now available as a free agent.
Rojas' time with Inter Miami saw him participate in 20 matches, where he made his mark by scoring nine goals. Despite this decent tally, the tactical choices under coaches Gerardo Martino and his successor, Javier Mascherano, limited his appearances, leading to his departure. His contract concluded without renewal, leaving him free to explore new opportunities.
With River Plate aiming for a competitive squad for the upcoming 2025 season, they have identified Rojas as a suitable addition to their roster. The team, now under the management of Marcelo Gallardo, has been aggressively seeking to bolster their lineup as they prepare for the Copa Libertadores and other domestic competitions. Initial discussions began two weeks ago, and optimism around securing Rojas's signature has been growing.
“Matías Rojas is near to joining River Plate,” stated TyC Sports, confirming the advanced nature of negotiations. This aligns with reports from journalist Germán García Grova, who noted the speed and efficiency of the discussions between Rojas and River Plate’s management.
Rojas's history with Corinthians was less than stellar; during his time there, he did not score any goals and had only three assists across 30 matches. His departure from the Brazilian club, which involved legal proceedings related to unpaid wages totaling over R$ 40 million, added to the narrative of his complex career. Nonetheless, River Plate sees potential in Rojas, who brings experience from several top leagues, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and the United States.
The negotiations are primarily focused on finalizing arrangements around the squad's foreign player slots, as River Plate must create openings to accommodate new signings, including Rojas. Current foreign players like Agustín Sant’Anna and Nicolás Fonseca may be let go to facilitate these changes, creating room not just for Rojas but also for another interesting prospect, known Uruguayan midfielder Leo Fernández.
Gallardo’s team views Rojas as not just a versatile addition on the field—capable of playing as both midfielder and winger—but also as a significant figure who can adapt quickly back to the Argentine league, where he previously thrived. His career statistics show 225 appearances marked by 46 goals and 22 assists overall, indicating his capacity to contribute effectively at the highest levels.
By securing Matías Rojas, River Plate aims to strengthen their roster with valuable experience and demonstrated offensive ability. With the player's ambitions aligning with those of the club, they could provide each other with the much-needed boost as they head toward ambitious targets, including the continental glory of the Libertadores. Rojas himself expressed excitement about returning to the Argentine league—a setting familiar to him, where he is expected to make significant contributions.
With only logistical aspects remaining, both parties are hopeful for completion. The finalization of Rojas’s deal could happen imminently, marking another key signing for River Plate and setting the stage for his return to competitive play within Argentine football.