The Long-Awaited Arrival of Enner Valencia at Boca
Club Atlético Boca Juniors, one of Argentina's most iconic football clubs, officially announced on August 9, 2026 the signing of Enner Valencia as a free agent. The Ecuadorian striker, 36 years old, has committed to the club until December 31, 2027, adding immense experience and firepower to the Xeneize attack. In his first training session this Sunday, the player showed enthusiasm and readiness to contribute his vast knowledge.
The 'Vasco' Arruabarrena's Plan
Head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena is known for his meticulous approach. According to specialized media, the coaching staff has designed a specific physical reconditioning program for the forward. Valencia hasn't played an official match since June 30, 2026, when Ecuador was eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Mexico. For this reason, he will not be included in the squad for the match on Tuesday, August 11 against Recoleta of Paraguay, the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. The goal is to avoid any injury risk and gradually bring him to peak fitness.
Tactical Decisions and Milton Giménez's Future
While Valencia gets ready, Arruabarrena continues making bold choices. The coach left Milton Giménez out of the squad for the Recoleta clash, following a poor performance in the 1-1 draw against Vélez. In contrast, Carlos Palacios and Tomás Belmonte returned to the list and will be among the substitutes, while Williams Alarcón was also omitted.
Reunion with Hernán Galíndez
Valencia's arrival in the Argentine Professional League excites not only Boca fans but also his compatriots. Hernán Galíndez, goalkeeper for Huracán and captain of Ecuador's national team, expressed his joy after Huracán's victory over San Lorenzo.
'Let him enjoy, he has the chance to play for a club like Boca, with the experience he has. I hope he and his family can be happy in Argentina.'
Galíndez also revealed plans to spend time with his friend off the pitch: 'We'll probably be neighbors, we'll live together or close by. Our wives get along well, and our kids are friends too. We'll try to enjoy our time together in Argentina, drinking lots of mate, eating many asados, and having a great time.'
A Career Full of Goals and Titles
Valencia brings an impressive resume. According to the club's official statement, the striker has won 9 titles at his previous clubs, scored over 190 goals, and provided 70 assists. Internationally, he has played in three World Cups and five Copa América tournaments, and is Ecuador's all-time leading scorer with 49 goals. In his last season with Pachuca in Mexico, he scored 8 goals in 22 matches.
| Club | Country |
|---|---|
| Emelec | Ecuador |
| West Ham United | England |
| Everton | England |
| Fenerbahçe | Turkey |
| SC Internacional | Brazil |
| Tigres | Mexico |
| Pachuca | Mexico |