Tough stance: River changes its salary policy and will implement performance-based contracts

After recording one of the worst seasons in recent years, River decided to make a deep shift in its contract policy. With no recent titles, multi-million signings that didn't bear fruit, and the looming possibility of missing out on the 2026 Copa Libertadores, the board concluded that the current economic model is unsustainable.

With that assessment, president Stéfano Di Carlo announced a structural reform: new contracts will be tied to performance. The measure, which had been promoted by several lists during the electoral campaign, aims to reduce the wage bill of the country's most expensive squad. "The fixed portion of the remuneration in new player contracts will be no more than 60%. The rest will be based on productivity," he explained at the first Board of Directors meeting of his term.

This scheme establishes a more moderate base salary and an incentive system that could increase earnings by up to 40%, depending on sporting variables. Productivity, as Di Carlo detailed, will be evaluated based on participation in matches, titles won, goals for forwards, overall squad performance, qualification for international competitions, and other agreed objectives.

Additionally, the system will apply from now on to contract renewals, first contracts for youth players, and any future signings. It will not be retroactive, so players who already have an existing contract will maintain their current terms.

Although the measure aims to put the club's finances in order in the medium term, the board also intends to cut expenses immediately. Within the club, they consider a squad overhaul essential, since several players with high salaries will leave the institution at the end of the year, which will help ease monthly expenditures.

This scenario anticipates a frugal transfer window, where more departures than arrivals are expected and there won't be investments similar to those made in the last three periods. The idea is to be selective and seek targeted reinforcements, aligned with the footballing needs that Marcelo Gallardo already knows.