Boca Juniors Want Leandro Paredes Back as His Roma Career Is in Limbo

Leandro Paredes is at the center of significant transfer rumors, as Boca Juniors are attempting to bring the midfielder back to Argentina if he opts to leave AS Roma this summer. The ultimate decision will lie with Paredes and AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini, as negotiations heat up ahead of the Club World Cup transfer window closing.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Boca Juniors have renewed their interest in signing Leandro Paredes, who played for the club when he started his professional career before moving to Europe. Paredes recently extended his contract with Roma until June 2026, but a special clause allows him to return to Boca if the Argentine side pays a €3.5 million buyout fee.

Boca’s new manager, Miguel Ángel Russo, has identified Paredes as his primary target in an effort to reinforce the team after a difficult start to the year, which saw them fail to qualify for international competitions and an alteration in management. Boca are in a race against time with a June 10 deadline to assemble their squad for the 2025 Club World Cup, and signing Paredes could be a major boost for their midfield.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

AS Roma’s Serie A campaign ended in disappointment after failing to secure a Champions League spot. Leandro Paredes played a key part, featuring in over 40 matches across competitions and contributing a number of assists, but his long-term position under new Roma manager Gasperini is uncertain.

Boca Juniors, meanwhile, are eager to boost their fortunes following a tough Apertura season. The club regards Paredes, who is still popular with fans and has a deep connection to Boca, as the perfect person to lead a return to success. Discussions are ongoing; however, salary expectations have been a stumbling block in the past.

WHAT’S NEXT?

In the coming days, Boca Juniors will try to negotiate a deal with Paredes and his agents. If the deal is reached before the June 10 Club World Cup transfer window closes, Boca could welcome back their old hero just in time for one of the year’s most important events. Roma, on the other hand, will begin preseason preparations under Gasperini and will strive to bolster their midfield plans in the event of Paredes’ departure.

Boca’s next game is in the Argentine Primera División, where they are aiming to close the distance with the league leaders from mid-table. Because their immediate league opponents are a few points ahead, signing reinforcements like Paredes is even more important for the second half of the season.