“Conan” is a nickname tied to a goalkeeper with a long history in Argentine football, someone expected to be a serious threat to River Plate’s goals when on the field.
Whenever the topic turns to Franco Armani’s possible replacement in River Plate, rumors quickly become headlines. The legacy of Pulpo in Núñez is so influential that fans don’t accept just any player stepping into his gloves. Recently, Jeremías Ledesma, an Argentine goalkeeper who currently plays in European football, has emerged as a potential candidate.
In GOAL We tell you everything about who is being considered to replace the world champion goalkeeper.
FRANCO ARMANI’S RECORD IN THE RIVER BOW
Who is Jeremías Ledesma
Known as “Conan” for his distinctive long hair and tall frame, Jeremías Ledesma is 30 years old and hails from Pergamino. He made his debut in 2016 against Cañuelas in the Argentine Cup, representing Central Rosary. In the 2017-18 season he cemented his role, appearing in 28 matches and conceding 31 goals, a year when his team captured the Argentine Cup.
On the international stage, he has worn Argentina’s colors with the Under-23 squad, appearing in eight matches, and he played three times at the Tokyo Olympic Games, contributing four goals as part of the campaign.
Where Jeremías Ledesma made a shortcut
Conan began his career with Rosario Central and, starting with the 2020-21 season, moved to Cadiz, pursuing opportunities in Spanish football and exploring possibilities with teams such as Almería.
How much does Jeremías Ledesma cost?
Reports from TyC Sports indicate that River Plate showed interest in signing the Cadiz goalkeeper in December 2023 after Armani chose not to renew his contract. Securing him would not be a simple feat, given Ledesma’s market value. He recently extended his contract until 2026, and speculations have placed a transfer price around a premium, with a release clause reported in the vicinity of thirty million euros.
In this evolving transfer landscape, any move would hinge on contract terms, club strategies, and the evolving market for elite goalkeepers in South American and European leagues.
For fans and analysts, the fascination with Conan reflects River Plate’s ongoing pursuit of a keeper who can carry the team’s expectations forward, balancing performance with the ability to handle pressure on big European and domestic stages. The discussion also highlights how clubs weigh a goalkeeper’s development, international exposure, and market dynamics when considering a long-term investment.