Estudiantes is considering signing veteran midfielder Enzo Pérez to bolster their squad for the decisive clashes against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores semifinals.
Estudiantes‘ football department is analyzing market options to strengthen the squad before the crucial duel against Flamengo. Facing urgent midfield issues, the Argentine club’s board is contemplating an investment in the return of a familiar face to the fans: the experienced 40-year-old midfielder Enzo Pérez.
The possibility is still being treated with caution internally and has not yet turned into an official negotiation. The player, currently playing for Deportivo Maipú in Argentina’s second division, emerged as an emergency alternative after a series of significant player absences due to injuries in the La Plata team.
According to reports from the Argentine press, the intention is to assess the player’s willingness to participate in the final stages of the continental tournament, adding experience and leadership to the squad managed by Alexander Medina.
Injuries and Absences Raise Alarm in La Plata
The Argentine directors’ mobilization gained momentum after the Supercopa Internacional final, in which Estudiantes lost to Rosario Central. In addition to the defeat, the match resulted in significant physical setbacks for the squad.
Uruguayan player Gabriel Neves suffered a fractured left wrist, underwent surgery, and will be sidelined for about three months. Midfielder Jalil Elías sustained a muscle injury in his left thigh and is expected to miss the first leg, also becoming a doubt for the return match at the Maracanã. To add to the problems, defenders Tomás Palacios and Leandro González Pirez are serving automatic suspensions.
Contractual Situation and Connection with Marcos Rojo
The pursuit of Enzo Pérez involves bureaucratic procedures and depends directly on another market move. The club aims to first finalize the arrival of defender Marcos Rojo, currently under contract with Racing.
The board’s plan includes requesting an extraordinary spot on the local federation roster due to Gabriel Neves‘ severe injury. Meanwhile, Enzo Pérez is contracted with Deportivo Maipú until the end of 2026. Any potential transfer will depend on the player’s personal desire to interrupt his project of seeking promotion to the Argentine first division to play in the Copa Libertadores again.
Conmebol’s Regulatory Deadline
Although the Argentine football transfer window is already closed for regular transactions, Conmebol regulations offer a loophole. Clubs that qualify for the semifinals can make up to three substitutions to their list of 50 registered players.
The deadline set by the South American entity is next Friday, October 9. If they manage to finalize the paperwork in time, Estudiantes could have new reinforcements for the two decisive matches against Flamengo.
Past Encounters and Reunions
If the move materializes, Enzo Pérez will face Flamengo once again. The midfielder was a starter for River Plate in the unforgettable 2019 Libertadores final in Lima, when Rubro-Negro famously won the title.
Furthermore, the player is a historical idol for Estudiantes, the club where he lifted the continental trophy in 2009 alongside Juan Sebastián Verón, the current president of the institution. Defender Marcos Rojo also has recent history against the Rio de Janeiro team, having played in previous editions of the tournament.
Semifinal Dates and Rubro-Negro’s Absences
The first match between Estudiantes and Flamengo is scheduled for October 15, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Estadio UNO in Argentina. The decisive second leg will take place on October 22, at the same time, at the Maracanã.
Rubro-Negro, under the command of Leonardo Jardim, will also have to overcome significant absences in the first leg, as they will be without Jorginho and Arrascaeta.
The winner of the tie will secure a spot in the grand final on November 28, in Montevideo, to face the winner of the classic match between Palmeiras and Fluminense. We will continue to follow the developments of the transfer window.
By M360 Team
