With the season having started, it’s been a little while since we made mention of the transfer market, but there are a few deals being talked about at present which merit mention. Prior to this weekend’s clásico with River Plate, San Lorenzo welcome a new arrival on a year-long loan, Santiago Solari, having beaten several European clubs – most notably, apparently, Tottenham Hotspur of England – to his signature. Independiente’s Carlos Matheu is off to Cagliari in Serie A, whilst River may be about to say goodbye to Leonardo Ponzio, if they can get Lazio to buy him from them rather than loan him…
Solari, who’s won more titles during his time in Europe (13) than any other Argentine player, during spells with Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid and Internazionale, arrives on Thursday to sign for San Lorenzo after prominent TV presenter and producer – and San Lorenzo investor – Marcelo Tinelli stepped in to convince the former River Plate midfielder to return to Buenos Aires. If he’s up to playing so soon after arriving, Solari can expect an interesting reception from the fans of his former club when he steps out for the opposition at the Monumental.
Ponzio, meanwhile, is a little less certain of where he’s going. Lazio want him on loan for the season, but the board at River, accepting that the likelihood of the player subsequently wanting a move to Europe will be high, and wanting the money now, would prefer to sell him outright to them right away. If a deal can be struck, the midfielder could be on his way in the current transfer window.
Hasta El Gol Siempre 