River Plate trims squad, sidelining three players and seeks transfers

River Plate has placed three players—midfielder Matías Galarza Fonda, Colombian Kevin Castaño and Ecuadorian Kendry Páez—on a separate training group at the Cantilo facility, removing them from the main professional roster under coach Eduardo Coudet. The club is looking to move the players, especially Galarza Fonda, to free a foreign‑player slot and recoup part of the investment made last year.

Galarza Fonda, who impressed at the World Cup with Paraguay, is owned 70% by River with the remaining 30% held by Talleres. Italian side Bologna has emerged as the leading interested club, while Mexico's Necaxa and MLS' Atlanta United have also expressed interest. River has previously off‑loaded Paulo Díaz to Atlanta United, Maximiliano Meza to Independiente and Andrés Herrera to Columbus Crew, and is considering ending Páez’s loan from Chelsea.

The restructuring follows a broader squad reduction that saw 14 players depart during the pre‑season, aiming to balance the roster and finances ahead of the upcoming campaign.