Gago Eyes Zeballos for Necaxa Move as Boca Awaits Formal Offer

Fernando Gago is looking to reunite with Exequiel Zeballos at Necaxa, according to TyC Sports. The former Boca Juniors manager, now at the helm of the Mexican club, has identified the 23-year-old winger as a priority target. However, the deal hinges on Necaxa freeing up a foreign player slot before making an official bid.

Zeballos and Gago share a complicated past. Under the coach’s tenure at Boca, the young attacker made 28 appearances and scored four goals, but gradually lost prominence. Their relationship notably soured during a Libertadores match, when Gago harshly criticized the player from the sidelines. Despite the tension, the coach is keen on bringing him to Liga MX.

Their mutual agent, Diego Merino, could ease negotiations. Boca had previously rejected a $9 million offer from Al-Wasl, citing the player’s reluctance to move to Saudi Arabia. Necaxa is unlikely to match that price but may present a $5 million bid for all or part of Zeballos’ rights.

Once regarded as a rising star, Zeballos has struggled to regain his form following a serious injury in 2022. In the recent Club World Cup, he was mostly benched and played just 26 minutes against Auckland City due to a muscle issue. His future now hangs in the balance once more.