Leandro Paredes is set to return to Boca Juniors after 11 years away, with the Argentina World Cup winner leaving Roma for his boyhood club once the club’s Club World Cup run ends. The midfielder has long been open about his desire to return to Boca, and a €3.5 million buyout clause in his Roma contract was specifically included for the Argentine giants.
Paredes will sign a three-year deal worth €2 million annually, a deal that took some convincing from Boca president Riquelme to seal. The 29-year-old had previously turned down offers from Saudi Arabia this summer. Currently on vacation in the US, Paredes has been following Boca’s Club World Cup campaign, watching them draw 2-2 with Benfica alongside other big-name players like Dybala and Paul Pogba, both former Juventus teammates.
What’s Next for Paredes?
The midfielder’s return to Boca will mark a full-circle moment for the player, who has often spoken about his desire to end his career at the club where it began. Paredes’ move will be closely watched by fans and the football community, given his status as a World Cup winner with Argentina. His experience playing in Europe, including stints at PSG and Roma, will likely bring a new level of maturity to the Boca Juniors squad.
Paredes joins a growing list of high-profile players to have made the switch to Boca Juniors in recent times, as the club continues to attract top talent from around the world. The midfielder’s return is a testament to the club’s enduring appeal, even to those who have gone on to achieve great success elsewhere.