Riquelme and Paredes, face to face again: a reunion steeped in history

Boca Juniors' transfer market has just experienced a pivotal moment. Just days before the start of the Clausura Tournament, the La Ribera club made one of the most anticipated signings by fans and management. Leandro Paredes, a world champion with the Argentine national team . And with a long history in Europe, he is now in the country to begin his second cycle with the blue and gold jersey.

The midfielder, who arrives from Roma for a fee close to $3 million, underwent a medical examination at a specialized center in Barracas on Wednesday and then headed to the Ezeiza stadium to reunite with Juan Román Riquelme. The Boca Juniors president greeted him with a hug that reflects not only the bond they have had for years, but also the magnitude of the signing Boca has just secured.

Paredes' contract with Boca Juniors will keep him at the club until December 2028 , marking a strong commitment from both the player and the management. For Riquelme , this is one of the most sought-after signings since he took over as club manager. He had tried on several occasions to repatriate the talented midfielder from the youth ranks, but finally managed to convince him to return to the club where he was born.

Paredes, 30, made his Boca debut in 2010 under Claudio Borghi, although it was Julio César Falcioni who began to give him more experience. He shared the squad with Riquelme during those years and played in 31 matches, scoring five goals. He was part of the team that won the 2011 Apertura Tournament and the 2012 Copa Argentina. However, his potential led him to emigrate early to Europe , where he played for clubs such as Roma, Zenit, PSG, and Juventus.

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Gentleness.

Now, his return to La Bombonera promises to be one of the biggest draws of the semester. A special reception is planned for this Thursday at the stadium, where thousands of fans are expected to welcome him in an event that will mark the beginning of his second stint at the club. From a footballing perspective, he will be a key player in Miguel Ángel Russo's lineup, who values ​​his stature, international experience, and leadership ability in midfield.

Beyond its sporting value, Paredes ' return also carries a strong symbolic meaning. He was a player who developed at the club, who decided to leave Europe behind in the prime of his career to once again don the Boca Juniors jersey. In times when such decisions are rare, his return is seen as a true gesture of identification with the Boca Juniors' colors and history.

With this move , Boca Juniors is not only adding quality to its roster, but also sending a clear message: it's serious about winning the Clausura and pursuing international goals. Riquelme's dream is now a reality . Now, Leandro Paredes ' new era begins at the club that saw him grow up.