The Club World Cup, set to take place between June and July, has significantly altered projections for 2025, particularly with the introduction of a specialized transfer market. This new system allows participating clubs to acquire players on loan specifically to bolster their squads for commitments in the United States.
River Plate is approaching this situation thoughtfully. Unlike some clubs that may seek temporary signings just for the World Cup, River has a long-term strategy in mind. Their intention is to secure players who will remain at the club beyond this single event.
One player who stands to benefit from the new arrangements is Agustín Palavecino. Currently a midfielder at Necaxa in Mexico, he is in advanced negotiations to play in the 2025 Club World Cup with Pachuca, as confirmed by César Luis Merlo. Palavecino has reportedly given his approval for the move, and the final agreement between the clubs is anticipated to be finalized soon. Pachuca is set to face real challenges as they are placed in Group H alongside Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, and Red Bull Salzburg.
To recap, River Plate sold Palavecino to Necaxa in June 2024, where he performed well enough for the Mexican club to trigger their option to buy him outright for a sum of U$S 3,600,000. However, River only retains 65% of this amount, which translates to about U$S 2,340,000, with the remainder going to Platense and Deportivo Cali, who also held stakes in the player’s contract.
This recent development underscores the evolving landscape of club football and highlights River Plate’s strategic foresight as they prepare for the world stage, fostering a blend of immediate needs and long-term ambitions.