Buenos Aires, Argentina – June 1st 2010

It is no secret that River Plate is going through some tough times, but as a club and as an institution. Daniel Passarella, president of the institution, decided not to travel to South Africa in his role of Vice President of AFA to remain in Buenos Aires and fix some of the problems in the club.

The main objective was to bring the Juventus-duo; Trezeguet and Camoranessi. However, the financial problems of the club did not allow negotiations to go through. The same financial problems have stuck the negotiations for Juan Pablo Carrizo, Mario Bolatti and Matias DeFederico.

In order to re-strengthen the squad, River started looking for players on a loan basis. The first three players that could sign for “El Millonario” this season are Josepmir Ballon, Leandro Caruso and Marcos Perez.

River and the Universidad de San Martin de Porres have already agreed on the transfer of the Peruvian International Josepmir Ballon. Initially, Ballon would arrive to River on a year loan for U$250,000, with the option of acquiring 50% of the player’s rights after the loan is over for U$750,000. “His arrival will only depend on an agreement between the player and the club” said Alvaro Barco, general director of the USMP. The 22 year old midfielder comes to the club to contest Matias Almeyda, captain and idol of the club.



Leandro Caruso admitted today that negotiations with River Plate are in progress, and that he expects to have positive feedback in the next few days. During an interview with Argentine media giant TyC Sports, Caruso admitted contact with both Daniel Passarella and Angel Cappa. Caruso, is expected to return to Italy to join Udinese for pre-season, however the interest from River Plate could change things, especially considering the fact that the Italian club is after several River Plate youngsters. Initially he would also arrive to the club on loan for one year.



The revelation of the Clausura 2010 was Marcos Perez. The Colombian International was key for Gimnasia LP to remain in first division. In the last couple of weeks his name had been linked to clubs like Boca Juniors, and Estudiantes de La Plata. However, Daniel Passarella has taken the necessary measures to contact Full Play, the company that manages his rights and a loan is already being negotiated. Perez would arrive on loan for one year with a buy option of U$2,500,000. If successful Perez would become the third Colombian center forward to join the club (Angel and Falcao). Upon his arrival, Gustavo Canales could depart to Colon de Santa Fe as part of a debt River holds with Colon.



Cappa also requested a goalkeeper, and after making unsuccessful efforts for Juan Pablo Carrizo and Justo Villar, Passarella is going after Gaston Monzon, the young goalkeeper of Huracan. Monzon was part of Cappa’s famous Huracan that gave birth to the tiki-tiki.

River begins to give shape to the new squad; we are 2 months away from the beginning of the Apertura and anything can happen. River may even surprise and brake the market in a surprise signing.