After River and Boca's interest and Foster's "no", Vélez made a final decision with Valentín Gómez: "The player was informed"

Valentín Gómez has been one of the main players in Argentina's transfer markets for a long time. The Vélez defender, a star of the last local champion, was persistently sought after by Boca and River . And he was one step away from wearing the Millonario shirt. But his desire was always to play in Europe. Although after Foster Gillett 's "no", Vélez got tired and made a decision with him.

«In March 2024, after extensive negotiations with the player and his representatives, the renewal of the employment contract until 31/12/2026 was agreed. This signing included a significant improvement in salary conditions, as well as a verbal commitment from the Board of Directors, at the request of the player, for him to be transferred in the mid-2024 window,» Vélez began by saying in an official statement.

That desire led Gómez to River, through the City Group, who left him in Palermo to loan him to Millonario . But he fell through. "In July 2024, and at the player's request, the terms and conditions of his transfer to Palermo in Italy were agreed, for a total amount of EUR 10,000,000 gross, payable in installments until 2026. After carrying out the medical examination in Italy, Palermo gave up on the operation," Vélez recalled.

Then came Cruzeiro from Brazil , although the initial offer did not seduce Vélez and then an attempt by Fortín led to a refusal by the Brazilian club. However, Valentín Gómez made the decision to stop playing for Vélez. And then Foster Gillett appeared on the scene with a proposal to terminate his contract and transfer him to a club in Europe .

«After the transfer to Cruzeiro failed, the player expressed to the Board of Directors his desire not to continue at the Club and to seek a new transfer alternative in the current window. Vélez agreed to allow the player to terminate his employment contract under the terms described above. This meant that, once the agreed payment was received, Valentín Gómez would be free to act and could therefore sign a new employment contract with whomever he chose,» the club said.

«The deadline for payment was set for 28/01/25, otherwise the agreements would lose validity. Because it was not made on that date, the deadline was extended. This was the express wish of the player and his entourage, under the promise that the funds would be obtained as soon as possible and that the payments would be made. During this period, the Club made contacts and arrangements with the Gillett Group, at the request of the player, to ensure that the operation could be completed and the commitments made could be fulfilled,» added Vélez. But once the deadline for being able to play in Italy was reached, without Foster's money, Vélez got tired and ordered the player to return to the club.

«The player was informed that he must return to the country to be under the orders of the first team's technical staff in accordance with his current employment contract,» stated the club, which is counting on the player again. «Vélez awaits the player's return on Monday, March 3, to join the first team. As well as his full commitment to the Institution. Where he is a reference, having emerged from our youth teams and co-captain of the champion team,» added Fortín. Will River and Boca try again for him?