Pezzella Returns to River Plate Under Gallardo
Germán Pezzella is reportedly very close to returning to River Plate at the request of Marcelo Gallardo, who is set to take over the club’s bench.
Though Marcelo Gallardo’s return to River Plate hasn’t been officially announced, the head coach has already set things in motion for the future of the club. Gallardo has asked the board to sign Argentine, two-time Copa America champion, and World Cup winner Germán Pezzella. As a result, River Plate's sporting director and president, Jorge Brito, has reopened negotiations with Real Betis to secure the player's transfer.
Marcelo Gallardo advised the board against signing Valentín Gómez, who was set to join the Argentine club on loan, and instead requested the high-profile signing of Pezzella, who is enthusiastic about the possibility of rejoining River with Gallardo as coach.
Pezzella, however, is under contract with Real Betis until 2026, so River Plate will need to pay more than his €4 million release clause to ensure the transfer and maintain good relations with the Spanish club, avoiding a forced departure.
According to TyC Sports, an agreement in principle has been reached between Gallardo and River’s board. Pezzella is expected to arrive in Argentina to sign his contract next week after handling personal matters in Spain. He will sign with River Plate until December 2027 and is anticipated to be a key player in Gallardo’s squad.
