River Plate Eyes Mid-Year Deal with Independiente Rivadavia: The Centurión Return and the Villa Saga

The transfer window in Argentine football is rarely quiet, and as we approach the mid-year mark, River Plate is once again at the center of a complex negotiation. While the headlines have been dominated by the whirlwind surrounding Colombian forward Sebastián Villa, the actual movement between River and Independiente Rivadavia is shifting toward a different profile: goalkeeper Ezequiel Centurión.

Reports indicate that River Plate and the Mendoza-based “Lepra” are working toward an agreement that would see Centurión return to Independiente Rivadavia in June. The move represents a tactical reshuffle for Marcelo Gallardo’s squad and a homecoming for a player who previously reached the pinnacle of success with the Mendoza side.

The Centurión Equation: From Champion to Reserve

Ezequiel Centurión’s trajectory has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows over the last year. He was a pivotal figure for Independiente Rivadavia, helping the club secure a historic Copa Argentina title last season. That success caught the eye of River Plate, who brought the goalkeeper into their fold as a key reinforcement.

However, Centurión’s start to the current year has been marred by misfortune. His integration into the River squad was interrupted by a wrist fracture, followed closely by a poorly timed muscle injury. These setbacks coincided with a vacancy in the starting lineup when veteran Franco Armani was sidelined. In that window, Santiago Beltrán seized the opportunity, establishing himself as the primary choice between the posts.

With Beltrán now firmly entrenched in the starting role and the June transfer window looming, the possibility of Centurión returning to Mendoza has become a viable path for all parties. According to reports from TyC Sports, the goalkeeper is expected to remain with River for now, but a move back to Independiente Rivadavia could be finalized by mid-year.

For a global audience, Independiente Rivadavia represents one of the most passionate football hubs in Mendoza, and Centurión’s return would be viewed as a significant coup for a club that has recently proven it can punch above its weight against the giants of Buenos Aires.

The Sebastián Villa Noise: Why the Deal Collapsed

It is impossible to discuss the relationship between these two clubs without addressing the saga of Sebastián Villa. The Colombian attacker has been the most polarizing figure of the recent transfer market, and for a time, it seemed a move to River Plate was inevitable.

The tension peaked during the 2025 Copa Argentina semifinals, where Villa played a starring role for Independiente Rivadavia. In a night of high drama, Villa scored the final penalty of the series, eliminating River Plate and sending the Mendoza side to their first-ever final. It was a poetic moment for the 29-year-aged, who had previously found success against River while wearing the colors of Boca Juniors.

Following that performance, River Plate entered negotiations to bring Villa to the Monumental. However, the deal eventually fell through. The River presidency later clarified that the decision to desist was not based on a single event, but rather a “conjunction of factors” following a detailed internal evaluation. While the club acknowledged that conversations took place—some of which were initiated through Daniel Vila, the president of Independiente Rivadavia—the final analysis led River to conclude that the incorporation was not a viable possibility.

The financial aspect also played a role. During the summer window, Independiente Rivadavia demanded a high valuation for the Colombian, which initially dissipated River’s interest. Despite the high asking price, Daniel Vila maintained a verbal agreement with the player, stating he would not block a departure if a beneficial offer arrived.

Boca Juniors Enters the Fray

While River Plate stepped back, Boca Juniors stepped in. As of March 2026, the “Xeneize” have been aggressively pursuing Villa to serve as their fourth reinforcement. Reports suggest that Boca president Juan Román Riquelme has been in direct conversations with the player.

Villa’s current status remains focused on his duties in Mendoza, where he has served as captain. Despite the interest from the capital, he has publicly stated his commitment to Independiente Rivadavia, leaving the logistics of a potential transfer to his representatives. With the Boca deadline for reinforcements having been pushed to March 10, the window for a return to the Bombonera was tight, adding further volatility to the situation.

Tactical Implications for River Plate

From a sporting perspective, the potential departure of Centurión in June allows River to streamline its goalkeeping department. The emergence of Santiago Beltrán provides a youthful alternative to the legendary Franco Armani, reducing the immediate need for a high-cost backup if Centurión returns to his former club.

For Independiente Rivadavia, reclaiming a Copa Argentina-winning goalkeeper would stabilize their defense as they continue to establish themselves as a competitive force in the top flight. The club’s ability to attract and retain talent like Villa and Centurión speaks to the ambition of the current leadership under Daniel Vila.

As the Argentine season progresses, the focus now shifts to the June window. The primary checkpoint for fans and analysts will be the official confirmation of Ezequiel Centurión’s transfer and whether Sebastián Villa eventually makes the jump back to one of the “Big Two” in Buenos Aires.

Do you think River made the right call by passing on Sebastián Villa? Let us understand in the comments below.