Boca Juniors offered $3 million to Fortaleza for the full transfer of the player (remembering that River Plate still retains 50% of his rights), and the Brazilian management is set to respond. Boca aims to finalize the Paraguayan's arrival before Friday, February 20, the deadline set by the AFA to register the replacement for the injured midfielder. As things stand, La Bombonera will once again be the scene of a high-voltage showdown this Friday. Another of Juan Román Riquelme's wishes is Colombia's coach, Néstor Lorenzo, but due to his involvement in the World Cup, he is not available to lead Boca immediately. As if the sporting pressure weren't enough, the 'xeneize' infirmary has suffered two major losses following the pale draw against Platense: midfielder Leandro Paredes left with a sprained right ankle, and although he had been carrying an issue, the pain intensified, making his participation for Friday a big question mark. Santiago Ascacibar also finished the match with signs of pain in the back of his right leg, raising alarms in a midfield that is already missing the significant absence of Rodrigo Battaglia. Amidst the crisis, the management is seeking an injection of hope from the transfer market. For Úbeda, it's a win-or-situation; for Boca, it's about finding a direction or facing a deep crisis before their main goal of the year.
