Racing on Edge as Riquelme Blocks Key Transfer Target for Peñarol

Racing Club is firmly focused on its upcoming Copa Libertadores round-of-16 clash against Peñarol, but a key off-field decision involving Juan Román Riquelme and Miguel Ángel Russo has caught the attention of Gustavo Costas’ staff.

Peñarol, led by president Ignacio Ruglio, had targeted winger Brian Aguirre—currently at Boca Juniors—as a potential signing upon the request of manager Diego Aguirre. The Uruguayan club reached out to Boca vice president Riquelme to inquire about the player’s availability.

According to journalist Federico Cristofanelli, Riquelme’s reply was clear and firm: “He’s not leaving.” The Boca icon reportedly believes Aguirre will flourish under Russo’s guidance and expects him to play a bigger role in Boca’s squad moving forward.

This outcome is seen as a relief in Racing’s camp. Aguirre’s skillset and pace on the wing could have significantly boosted Peñarol’s attack ahead of their Libertadores matchup. For now, Racing dodges a bullet—but with the transfer window still open, they remain wary of other potential reinforcements Peñarol could secure before their crucial encounter.