Joaquín Panichelli Joins Strasbourg In Major Summer Transfer

Joaquín Panichelli has officially signed with RC Strasbourg from Deportivo Alavés in a significant move valued at €16 million. The Argentine striker has agreed to a five-year contract with the French club, which keeps him at the club until 2030, as confirmed by a previous report here.

PANICHELLI’S BIG MOVE TO FRANCE

Strasbourg signed 22-year-old Panichelli after he had a breakthrough season in Spain. The striker joined Alavés from River Plate in 2023. He was on loan at Mirandés last season, where he scored 20 goals in 40 matches, showcasing an impressive performance that made him one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. Villarreal was also interested in him, but Strasbourg moved quickly to complete the deal.

Panichelli will be joining fellow Argentine Valentín Barco at the club. Together, they give Strasbourg more South American talent in their squad.

CONTEXT: STRASBOURG’S SEASON AND SQUAD CHANGES

RC Strasbourg is looking to improve on their 7th place finish in Ligue 1 last season. The team struggled to score goals and lacked consistent performances. As a result, the club’s management wanted to sign a reliable striker in this transfer window. The addition of Panichelli reflects Strasbourg’s ambition to achieve a higher finish in Ligue 1 this season.

Panichelli’s arrival, along with Barco’s, indicates that Strasbourg aims to finish in the top half of the table and possibly qualify for European competitions, in their 1st season back to European football, where they will play in the Conference League. The club hopes Panichelli will quickly make an impact considering his impressive goal-scoring record in Spain.

Strasbourg’s next match is the Ligue 1 opener against Metz, who finished barely above relegation last season, and at considerable distance to Strasbourg, and the team is keen to close the six-point gap between the two sides from the previous season.

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT PANICHELLI BRINGS TO STRASBOURG

Panichelli’s five-year contract indicates he is expected to become a key player for Strasbourg immediately. The Argentine forward’s speed, creativity, and finishing ability could provide the boost Strasbourg needs to climb up the standings.

If Panichelli adapts quickly to French football, the club’s chances of improving from last season and challenging for a top-4 finish will be much better. All eyes will be on Panichelli when he makes his debut, as fans and management alike hope his impressive form in Spain will carry over to achieve success in Ligue 1.