San Lorenzo Faces Uncertainty Over Muniain and Transfer Freeze Amid Mounting Debts

San Lorenzo is entering preseason under Damián Ayude with more questions than answers, as the club grapples with uncertainty surrounding Spanish midfielder Iker Muniain and a transfer market paralyzed by financial constraints. According to TyC Sports, Muniain, who joined as a marquee signing earlier this year, is seriously considering not returning to Buenos Aires. Currently in Bilbao after attending an Athletic Club match to watch his son, the 32-year-old was seen wearing a San Lorenzo wristband on social media—an image warmly received by fans.

Still, the institutional and financial instability at the club has cast doubt over his future. President Marcelo Moretti remains on leave, the squad has publicly protested unpaid wages, and there is no clear sporting direction for the second half of the season. Though Muniain has reportedly weighed up offers, no formal bids from Europe have emerged yet.

Meanwhile, San Lorenzo’s transfer window is effectively frozen. The club must pay $2.15 million to lift six bans that currently prevent them from registering new players. Outstanding debts include payments owed to Diego Rodríguez, Monterrey (for Adam Bareiro), Cristian Zapata, Austin FC, and a FIFA-imposed fine.

With a squad in need of reinforcement and limited financial flexibility, the club’s immediate future hinges on both who they can keep—and who they’re unable to bring in. Muniain’s decision may signal the first major blow if internal tensions remain unresolved.