Club Atlético River Plate is managing two squad situations as it prepares to host Independiente Rivadavia. The Núñez side has imposed a high economic clause for the use of Maximiliano Salas and finalized the departure of Matías Galarza Fonda to MLS, according to local media reports on Thursday.
The Millionaire sits eleventh in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 7 points from 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses in seven matchdays. Their last outing was a 3-2 win over Banfield on August 30, a result that interrupted a three-game winless run. The next fixture is this Sunday, September 6, against sixth-placed Independiente Rivadavia at the Estadio Monumental. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What must Independiente Rivadavia pay for Salas?
Independiente Rivadavia must pay River Plate $500,000 if they decide to field Maximiliano Salas in Sunday's match. The information details that the clause is written into the loan contract of the forward. The payment should be made within 24 hours after the match ends if Salas participates, even for a moment.
Independiente Rivadavia's manager, Alfredo Berti, confirmed the existence of this condition. In statements to DSports Radio, Berti said, "At the time they told me there was a clause for him not to play against River." The coach added that the final decision lies with his club's directors, as it is a purely economic matter. Salas, 28, arrived on loan in Mendoza with a purchase option of $4 million for 50% of his rights.
What did the rival manager say about the clause?
Alfredo Berti appeared resigned to not having the attacker available for the clash at the Monumental. The Lepra mendocina's manager explained he won't waste energy on an issue he believes does not concern coaches. "I believe he will not play against River, the directors haven't told me anything," Berti stated on the 'Cómo te va' program.
Beyond the contractual conflict, the strategist praised the player's attitude. Berti described Salas as a calm, respectful, and classy player, expressing his satisfaction with the Corrientes native's performance in the team. So far, Salas has accumulated 474 minutes spread over seven matches with Independiente Rivadavia, though he has yet to score or provide an assist.
Where was Matías Galarza Fonda transferred?
Matías Galarza Fonda, a 24-year-old Paraguayan midfielder, was loaned to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The American club confirmed the signing on Thursday, September 3. The agreement includes a purchase option at the end of the loan, which runs until the conclusion of the 2026 MLS season.
Inter Miami's presentation of the player highlighted his "Paraguayan talent" and his participation in the recent World Cup, where he scored a goal and provided an assist for his national team. Galarza Fonda arrived at River Plate in mid-2025 from Talleres but only played 14 matches without scoring or assisting, later being sidelined from the main squad. His move to Lionel Messi's team marks a radical turn in his career after a conflicted cycle in Núñez.
How is River Plate approaching this match?
The team led by Leo Ponzio faces the match with an irregular record at the start of the Clausura tournament. With 7 goals for and 8 against, River Plate seeks to stabilize its performance to cut the 9-point gap to the leader, Argentinos Juniors. The win over Banfield provided relief, but the team needs to string together positive results to climb the standings.
The squad still has two players training apart at the Cantilo facility, a situation the board aims to resolve shortly. Sunday's match represents an opportunity to earn three points at home and improve a recent run of one win, one draw, and three losses in the last five outings. Salas's absence from the rival team, enforced by the million-dollar clause, could influence the development of the clash.
