River Close to Finalizing Bareiro’s Transfer to Fortaleza

River Plate is close to offloading Adam Bareiro, with Brazilian club Fortaleza submitting a formal offer to purchase 70% of the Paraguayan striker’s rights. According to reports, the deal hinges on Marcelo Gallardo’s approval. If the coach gives the green light, the transfer could be finalized quickly, helping River free up a valuable foreign-player slot.

Bareiro returned from a loan spell at Al-Rayyan in Qatar, but Gallardo has not included him in his plans, even with limited options at center forward. Still, uncertainty over Miguel Borja’s future—his contract ends in December—has kept River from making a final decision. Borja remains the squad’s only active No. 9.

While the exact numbers of Fortaleza’s offer haven't been disclosed, the move could solve several problems for River: offloading a surplus player, recouping investment, and opening the door for a new foreign signing. Gallardo has his sights set on Lucas Cepeda, a 22-year-old left-footed winger from Colo-Colo with a $5 million release clause. The Chilean club is reportedly open to selling a majority stake in his rights for a smaller sum.

With Maximiliano Salas set to join by activating his release clause at Racing, River is reshaping its attack. Bareiro’s exit seems imminent—pending a final nod from the bench.