Mauricio Benítez set for move from Boca Juniors to Royal Antwerp

Midfielder Mauricio Benítez, who returned to Boca Juniors after a 1½‑year loan at Belgium's Royal Antwerp, has been left out of coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s plans. Boca is prepared to sell the 22‑year‑old but will not accept just any offer. Royal Antwerp has submitted a formal proposal that is well below the $5 million purchase option previously stipulated in the loan agreement. Negotiations are expected to continue until the transfer window closes on 31 August.

If the deal goes through, Benítez will not free a squad slot for Boca because he did not register any minutes in the current half‑season, a detail that prevents the Argentine Football Association from granting the club an extra place. During his stint in Belgium, Benítez played 41 matches, logged 2,288 minutes, scored three goals, provided one assist and received six yellow cards.