River Plate defender Germán Pezzella near UAE transfer

Germán Pezzella, the 35‑year‑old world‑champion centre‑back, remains sidelined from River Plate’s first‑team squad. He continues to train separately at the club’s Cantilo facility while his contract runs until December 2027. Recent social‑media activity – a selfie with a bandaged‑heart emoji – was read by fans as a message to River’s hierarchy.

Club officials, including directors Stéfano Di Carlo, Enzo Francescoli and Pablo Longoria, have kept Pezzella out of the main group, a decision echoed by coach Eduardo Coudet as a club‑driven measure. Reports suggest the defender is being linked to a move to the United Arab Emirates, though no concrete offer has been confirmed. Interest has also been shown by Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, but the high salary and the prospect of an overseas move make a local deal unlikely.

Pezzella is among a dozen players excluded from pre‑season plans, with the situation highlighting ongoing tensions between the squad and River’s management.