# Boca Juniors transfer activity and roster restructuring

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/boca-juniors-transfer-and-injury-challenges
> Updated: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, Boca Juniors sought to bolster its squad following injuries to strikers Adam Bareiro, Miguel Merentiel, and Milton Giménez. The club targeted midfielder Tomás Belmonte to replace Mikel Amondarain and negotiated for striker Lucas Passerini, though talks ended after Belgrano’s €5 million fee was deemed excessive. President Juan Román Riquelme also criticized a defensive lapse during a Copa Sudamericana penalty-shootout win over O’Higgins, stating, “No te pueden hacer un gol de lateral.”

As the transfer window progressed, the club pursued Tigre forward David Romero in a deal reported around $12 million. On 1 August, coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena excluded five players from his plans: right-backs Juan Barinaga and Marcelo Weigandt, defenders Mauricio Benítez and Marcelo Saracchi, and midfielder Juan Ramírez. Forward Nicolás Orsini terminated his contract after being sidelined and signed with Barracas Central through December 2027.

By late August, Boca shifted focus to defensive reinforcements. The club entered negotiations for Independiente defender Kevin Lomónaco, offering $3 million for 50% of his rights against a $7 million valuation. While Lomónaco’s profile does not perfectly align with Arruabarrena’s tactical preferences, the technical staff remains open to the move. The administration may accelerate these discussions if defender Lautaro Di Lollo departs for Benfica. Additionally, 19-year-old Leonel Flores has emerged as a key attacking talent under Arruabarrena, transitioning from the youth ranks to become a significant offensive reference.

Meanwhile, a planned loan move for Juan Barinaga to Racing collapsed due to FIFA-imposed restrictions on Racing regarding debts to Monaco, leaving the defender at Boca.

## Claims

- Boca Juniors advanced to the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana after winning a penalty shoot‑out against O'Higgins. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Juan Román Riquelme said “No te pueden hacer un gol de lateral” after Boca’s Copa Sudamericana qualification. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Leandro Paredes publicly confronted Sebastián Villa after Boca's Copa Sudamericana match against O'Higgins. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Riquelme said the team faces a congested schedule with matches every two to three days until the end of August. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Boca Juniors abandoned negotiations for Lucas Passerini because Belgrano demanded a $5 million transfer fee. (single source)
- Gustavo Quinteros said Independiente needs two to three new signings after a 1‑0 win over Newell's. (single source)
- River Plate will loan Ignacio Zaballa to San Lorenzo while retaining 30 % of his economic rights. (single source)
- Giuliano Galoppo is considering a transfer to Rosario Central after being sidelined by River Plate. (single source)
- Eduardo Godoy was appointed liquidator of the Sartor case at Universidad de Chile, stating club operations will continue unchanged. (single source)
- Marcelo Díaz said he has no personal connection with former Universidad de Chile president Michael Clark. (single source)
- Carlos Palacios has had limited playing time at Boca Juniors and is exploring a possible move to Colo Colo. (single source)
- Boca Juniors abandoned negotiations for striker Lucas Passerini because Belgrano demanded a US$5 million transfer fee. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Boca Juniors evaluates Kevin Lomónaco transfer amid roster restructuring

Boca Juniors considers a move for Independiente defender Kevin Lomónaco as a potential reinforcement, contingent on the possible departure of Lautaro Di Lollo. Meanwhile, youth talent Leonel Flores rises.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kevin-lomnaco-offered-to-boca-juniors-amid-transfer-talks

### 2026-08-01: Boca Juniors looks to offload five sidelined players as transfer window closes

Boca Juniors, via the Transfer Matching System, aims to sell five out‑of‑favor players while forward Nicolás Orsini has left for Barracas Central after rescinding his contract.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-looks-to-offload-five-sidelined-players-as-transfer-window-closes

### 2026-07-30: Boca Juniors drop Passerini deal as Argentine clubs reshape transfer market

Boca drops Passerini deal over price, Riquelme slams defensive error, and Argentine clubs negotiate key transfers including Romero, Galoppo, Barinaga and Salas.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-midfielder-carlos-palacios-sidelined-for-seven-months

### 2026-07-26: Boca Juniors target midfield and striker signings in transfer window

Boca Juniors pursue midfielder Tomás Belmonte and striker Lucas Passerini to replace injured forwards and add depth ahead of a busy season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boca-juniors-target-midfield-and-striker-signings-in-transfer-window

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Cite as: Boca Juniors transfer activity and roster restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/boca-juniors-transfer-and-injury-challenges