Buenos Aires, Argentina – March 7, 2026 – River Plate enters a novel era this week as Eduardo Coudet prepares for his debut as head coach against Huracán in the Torneo Apertura. The arrival of “Chacho” Coudet follows the departure of long-time manager Marcelo Gallardo, and the club has been active both on and off the pitch as they transition to a new chapter.
River Confirms Two Player Sales
During a recent meeting of the Board of Directors at El Monumental, River Plate finalized the details of two significant player transfers: Jeremías Ledesma and Sebastián Boselli. These moves provide a financial boost for the club as Coudet begins to shape his squad.
Goalkeeper Jeremías Ledesma has been sold to Rosario Central for $1.8 million, representing 60% of his registration rights. The deal also includes a provision for a friendly match between the two clubs. River originally invested $2.6 million for Ledesma’s full transfer rights in 2024, but limited playing time behind Franco Armani hindered his development with the club.
Defender Sebastián Boselli is currently on loan with Getafe in Spain, where he has been a regular starter, including in a recent victory against Real Madrid. The agreement with Getafe includes a mandatory purchase clause of €986,000 for 60% of his rights, which will be triggered automatically if he makes 15 appearances this season – he currently has 6.
Coudet’s Debut Looms: Potential Lineup and Challenges
Eduardo Coudet’s first match in charge of River Plate will be on Thursday, March 12th, against Huracán. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the venue, as the Tomás A. Ducó stadium is facing structural concerns that may lead to the match being played elsewhere, or even behind closed doors.
Whereas the return of Juan Fernando Quintero from injury is still uncertain, Giuliano Galoppo has emerged as a potential starter for Coudet’s debut. Galoppo has been training with the team after recovering from a left ankle injury that kept him out of the match against Independiente Rivadavia. Coudet views Galoppo as a key component of the midfield.
Coudet’s Initial Strategy at River Plate
Coudet arrived in Argentina early Wednesday morning, was officially presented to the media at midday, and led his first training session in the afternoon. The postponement of the River Plate vs. Atlético Tucumán match due to a league-wide player strike has provided Coudet with valuable time to assess his squad and implement his tactical ideas.
The delay allows Coudet to focus on familiarizing himself with the players and working on their physical conditioning. Reports indicate that Coudet is prioritizing improving the team’s physicality, a hallmark of his coaching style. He also wants to quickly instill his footballing philosophy within the squad.
Coudet’s teams are known for their intensity and physical demands, and he’s looking to bring that same energy to River Plate. He’s also focused on building a strong team spirit and addressing any lingering issues from the previous regime.
The club’s president, Stefano Di Carlo, confirmed the amount of the indemnification paid to Gallardo following his departure to make way for Coudet, though specific details were not disclosed.
River Plate is also navigating the potential draw for the Copa Sudamericana, with speculation surrounding a challenging group that could include tough opponents.
As Coudet settles into his role, the focus remains on preparing for the upcoming match against Huracán and building a competitive team capable of challenging for titles. The coming weeks will be crucial as he assesses his options and lays the foundation for a successful era at River Plate.
The next confirmed checkpoint for River Plate is their away match against Huracán on Thursday, March 12th. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and analysis as Coudet’s tenure begins.
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