Boca intensified the search for a center forward to strengthen the squad of Rodolfo Arruabarrena and already has its main candidate: Enner Valencia. The experienced 36-year-old Ecuadorian forward is a free agent after finishing his contract with Pachuca and negotiations with Xeneize are progressing to try to finalize his arrival.
The need to add a forward became more urgent due to the situation of Adam Bareiro. The Paraguayan continues to recover from a lumbar injury and, although he will not undergo surgery, he still does not have a defined date to return to the field. This is compounded by the lack of offensive effectiveness that Boca showed at the start of the second semester.
Valencia was released from Pachuca and could strengthen Boca to replace the injured Bareiro
Valencia, who participated in the 2026 World Cup with the Ecuador National Team, was very close to becoming a reinforcement for Talleres at the request of Jorge Sampaoli. However, that operation fell through, a scenario that opened the door for the club from La Ribera to advance in negotiations.
At Boca, they believe that his international experience and goal-scoring ability can provide immediate solutions to the team. If the transfer is finalized, it would be the first experience in Argentine football for the former player of Emelec, Tigres, Fenerbahçe, and Internacional, among others.
Nonetheless, the Ecuadorian is not the only alternative being considered by the management. Ezequiel "Chimy" Ávila, who became a free agent after finishing his contract with Betis, remains an option to strengthen the attack, and Xeneize is maintaining contacts to evaluate his incorporation. The club's intention is to add two forwards before the definitive closure of the market.
In his only year with the Mexican team, the Ecuadorian played 3,429 minutes, distributed over 47 matches, in which he scored 26 goals, provided 3 assists, and received 8 yellow cards and 1 red card for double booking.
