17/06/2026 15:59 - Deportes
Camiseta de River Plate banda roja sobre fondo blanco con pelota de fútbol en césped natural durante entrenamiento profesional
River Plate, one of Argentina's most prestigious football clubs, resumed training on Tuesday, June 17, 2026 with shocking news that has sent ripples through South American football: eleven players have been separated from the squad by decisive manager Eduardo Coudet. This dramatic move precedes the team's scheduled departure to Spain on Friday, June 20.
For international readers unfamiliar with Argentine football culture, River Plate (officially Club Atlético River Plate) is based in the Núñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires and boasts over 100 years of history. The club has produced legendary players like Alfredo Di Stéfano and won numerous domestic and international titles, making squad decisions of this magnitude particularly significant.
The manager's decision reflects a deep squad cleansing following a trophyless first half of 2026, aimed at refreshing the locker room atmosphere and preparing for ambitious objectives in the coming months.
The club officially confirmed that seven footballers were left out of the squad call-up for the preseason in Alicante, Spain. These players must report back only on June 22, three days after the main squad departs:
| Player | Position | Notable Background |
|---|---|---|
| Paulo Díaz | Center Back | Chilean international, fan favorite |
| Germán Pezzella | Center Back | Former Real Betis defender, World Cup winner |
| Maximiliano Meza | Midfielder | Experienced playmaker |
| Fabricio Bustos | Right Back | Former Independiente captain |
| Alex Woiski | Midfielder | Youth academy product |
| Maximiliano Salas | Forward | Rising attacking talent |
| Giuliano Galoppo | Midfielder | Young prospect with potential |
Context: In Argentine football, being "separated from the squad" (apartado del plantel) typically signals the club's intention to sell or loan the player. It's a strong message that the player is no longer part of the manager's plans.
In addition to the seven excluded players, four footballers have been declared "transferable" (negociables in Argentine football terminology). Unlike the first group, these players will still travel to Spain while their futures are being resolved:
Being "transferable" means the club is actively seeking buyers or loan arrangements. If no suitable offers materialize during the transfer window, these players may remain with the squad. This approach allows them to maintain fitness while negotiations continue.
Note: The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, represents the pinnacle of international football, making Castaño's absence from preseason entirely justified.
Start Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2026
Travel to Spain: Friday, June 20
Destination: Alicante, Spain
Manager: Eduardo Coudet
Duration: Approximately two weeks
Objectives: Friendlies + Intensive training
The squad that travels to Spain will undergo intensive training sessions and play friendly matches to prepare for the resumption of domestic league competition and the Copa Argentina, the country's national cup competition.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
