16/06/2026 22:47 - Deportes
Estadio Monumental de River Plate iluminado de noche con gradas llenas de hinchas con camisetas rojas y blancas, atmósfera de partido importante
Club Atlético River Plate, one of Argentina's most prestigious and successful football institutions, has begun mapping out the second half of 2026. The club issued an important official statement confirming the return date for training, the preseason tour in Spain, and the status of several professional squad members. El Millonario (The Millionaire, River's popular nickname) is already focusing on upcoming challenges and has made significant decisions regarding the immediate future of several players.
River Plate is one of the "Big Five" clubs in Argentine football, along with Boca Juniors, Independiente, Racing, and San Lorenzo. Based in the Núñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires, River has won numerous domestic and international titles, including multiple Copa Libertadores championships. Their historic rivalry with Boca Juniors is considered one of the most intense derbies in world football, known as the Superclásico.
Through an official statement, River Plate informed that the professional squad will resume training on Wednesday, June 17th. Subsequently, the delegation will travel on Saturday, June 20th to Alicante, Spain, where they will conduct their traditional European preseason to prepare for the second half of the year.
This will be a crucial period for the coaching staff, who will aim to reinforce tactical concepts and evaluate the future of various squad members under manager Eduardo Coudet.
A former Argentine international midfielder, Coudet has become one of South America's most respected managers. Known for his attacking style of play, he previously managed clubs like Racing Club, Internacional (Brazil), and Celta Vigo (Spain).
River confirmed that seven players will not be part of the delegation traveling to Spain and must report for training on Monday, June 22nd:
Another highlight of the statement concerns two of the club's top young prospects. Ian Subiabre and Santiago Lencina will also not travel to preseason, as they currently maintain advanced negotiations to join other institutions.
River expects to resolve both operations in the coming days before defining the next steps for each player.
Note: Young players in Argentina often move abroad early in their careers due to the strong European market demand for South American talent. This is a common practice among Argentine clubs.
The Colombian midfielder is currently playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with his national team. Once his international participation ends, he will rejoin the squad.
The club informed that Kevin Castaño will resume training with the group of players remaining in Buenos Aires.
A similar situation could occur with Matías Galarza Fonda, provided the purchase option for the player is ultimately not executed.
River also addressed the right-back's situation. The loan of Andrés Herrera at Columbus Crew (MLS, USA) ends on June 30th, although negotiations currently exist to finalize his permanent transfer to the American club. If the agreement is reached, the defender will not return to the Núñez-based club.
One of the most striking aspects of the statement was the confirmation that River has declared four professional squad members as transfer-listed ("negociables"). While the club did not officially reveal the names, it clarified that these players will still travel to Alicante and the decision has already been communicated to their respective agents to analyze possible offers during the transfer window.
The measure opens the door to new movements before the start of official competition.
In professional football, declaring a player as "transfer-listed" ("negociable" in Spanish) means the club is willing to listen to offers for their registration rights. It does not necessarily mean the player will be sold or transferred, but rather that they are in an open market situation where any interested club can submit an economic proposal to acquire them.
This decision is typically made for sporting reasons (limited playing time), economic reasons (need to sell to buy new players), or the player's own desire to seek new opportunities. In all cases, the player continues training normally until an operation is finalized.
The statement shows that River is undergoing a restructuring process looking ahead. With transfer-listed players, possible sales, players seeking continuity, and others who will define their situation after the World Cup, El Millonario prepares for a transfer window that could bring significant changes to the squad. The preseason in Spain will also serve for the coaching staff to draw definitive conclusions about the team's future.
This news is based on the official statement issued by Club Atlético River Plate regarding the professional squad's preseason for the second half of 2026.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
