Inter’s penalties marked a heavy setback for Demichelis’ plan for the second half of the year. Has the campus been cleared out?
River focused the second half of the 2023 season on the Copa Libertadores. The signings Manuel Lanzini and Pity Martinez were set to be available for the later stages, with the aim of recreating the 2018 glory. The ending arrived abruptly with a penalty defeat in Porto Alegre, forcing Martín Demichelis to rethink the entire project.
With a squad of high quality, perhaps the strongest in Argentina, the team demonstrated in the recent Professional League that it could dominate from start to finish, finishing first by 11 points. Yet without international competition and already out of the Argentine Cup, the club now has only the 14 matches of the Professional League Cup and the potential final rounds available if it advanced that far.
Transfers on schedule, players seeking continuity, contracts expiring in December, and young talents like Tomás Castro Ponce, Franco Alfonso, and Manuel Gillén already on loan show a club in a state of flux. Between leadership, the coach, and the players themselves, the international fall appears to be triggering a significant exodus, at least on a minimum level.
LUCAS BELTRAN
The rising star, who did not hesitate to fill in for Julián Álvarez, sparked strong interest in Europe. Fiorentina has been negotiating since last week to sign him. There was speculation that his final game with River might be in Porto Alegre, despite a desire to retain him through the tournament. Now that the series is over, River is prepared to reach an agreement with the Italian club, which has floated a 20 million euro offer plus productivity bonuses to meet a 25 euro clause.
NICOLAS DE LA CRUZ
The Uruguayan has long been the prime-selling asset and has a lucrative offer on the table from Arab football, pressuring him to choose between financial security or a later move to Europe. Al Duhail has already indicated a willingness to activate the clause if the player can be persuaded.
MIGUEL BORJA
The Colombian arrived just a year ago and scored several important goals, including a penalty in the Superclásico. Yet he not only lost the internal competition to Beltrán but also trailed behind Salomón Rondón in consideration and did not see minutes in the entire series against Inter. A few weeks back he posted a cryptic Instagram story that suggested frustration, and with his demotion, a move away could be reasonable to consider.
JOSE PARADELA
Among the reinforcements so far, three players bring playmaking to the forefront. With Colidio, Lanzini, and Pity Martínez, along with Nacho Fernández and a provisional role for De La Cruz, Palavecino, and even more minutes for Diablito Echeverri, Parade la’s chances become slimmer, leaving him among negotiable players with several interested clubs.
ROBERT ROJAS
The Sicario turned from hero to villain in Porto Alegre in a matter of moments. He scored the embarrassing opener that sent the tie to penalties but failed to convert his own kick, contributing to the club’s tenth miss. It is worth noting that he nearly did not remain with the squad, as a deal with Vasco da Gama fell through due to a change in circumstances, while talks with Vélez continued. The Paraguayan was never fully embraced by Demichelis, though his versatility as a winger or center back allowed him to see minutes against Inter.
ENZO PEREZ
The captain surfaced in the news recently when it was revealed that his decision had been made. With his contract expiring in December, options included MLS or Deportivo Maipú. Although he still has a few months left at the club, this defeat could accelerate the decision and mark his last games with the club where he spent seven years.
JONATAN MAIDANA
Another Madrid legend with hours counting down. Since his return he has struggled to regain that peak form and has not even traveled to Porto Alegre like Mammana, Herrera, and Elías Gómez. Having just turned 38, retirement at the end of the year seems plausible.
MATIAS SUAREZ
Injuries in recent years have complicated the career of one of the squad’s most gifted players. When he is on form, he proves his quality. Though his wish is to finish his career with River, he understands Demichelis’ plans and follows the coach’s lead.
ELIAS GOMEZ
The former Argentine players is among those who did not maximize the opportunities available. He was not called up for the Inter series, and in Núñez there is hope that Nacional will continue to pursue his recruitment. He is one of the players with the exit door open.
Within the club, the focus remains on navigating the post-season path and assessing the future of each player as the season approaches its decisive phases. (Goal)