what to expect from Athletico’s new reinforcements

In an attempt to fill out the cast for its centenary year, the Athletico bet on Paraguayan football to reinforce the team. From the neighboring country, he brought the first two signings for 2024: defender Mateo Gamarra and the striker Romeo Benítezwho are from the same city, Concepción.

The first was highlighted by Olympia, is 23 years old, signed a four-year contract and would have cost US$3.2 million (R$15.84 million) to Rubro-Negro, which acquired 75% of the rights. The second, aged 21, shone in the Guarani, closed for five years and would have cost US$3 million (R$14.85 million) for 80% of the rights. During the week, the Paraguayan portal Versus The headline read: “Athletico has definitely set its sights on Paraguayan football to seek to strengthen itself.” Already the La Nation highlighted the new opportunity for the duo: “A big step in both of their careers.”

With similar values, the amounts disbursed by Furacão will have an impact on the former teams of Gamarra and Benítez, both brought by agent Diego Serrati. In the case of “Decano”, the club is experiencing a delicate economic crisis and had an urgent need to raise cash to pay debts, after being punished by FIFA in April. The reason was the non-payment of US$472.5 thousand (R$2.3 million at the time) to Palmeiras for negotiating with midfielder William Mendieta.

Due to the million-dollar debt, also extended to other players and coaches, he suffered the consequent transfer ban, preventing him from making any signings, without being able to reinforce Francisco “Chiqui” Arce’s team. With the amount paid by Furacão, he can pay part of the charges – according to the Paraguayan press, it would be 2 million dollars to pay partially, or 6 million dollars in total.

Furthermore, the sale of Mateo Gamarra to Athletico resulted in the second biggest sale in the history of Olimpia, second only to Roque Santa Cruz, when he transferred to Bayern Munich, at the time representing almost 7 million dollars.

What to expect from “Los concepcioneros”?

And now, what can Athletico fans expect from the Paraguayan duo? O OneTwo Sports spoke with two journalists who evaluate the signings of Furacão, Gamarra and Benítez.

Gamarra is a player with personality, with an aggressive physical game, good at tackling, and can also play as a left-back. Romeo’s main characteristics are dribbling, speed, excellent in one-on-one duels, and he plays more on the left side of the attack.

Alvaro Apontejournalist for the channels We are Versus PY, Universo 970 and We are GENwas adamant in giving the first answer about Furacão’s new players.

“Enjoy Mateo and Romeo. They are from the same city, Concepción, and the fact that they went together will be very good for both of them adapting”, he says.

Aponte highlighted the main characteristics of the defender coming from Olimpia.

“range He has a lot of intensity, with an aggressive game that most of the time favors him, but on some other occasions causes some risks. He has a good game output, is fast, with good aerial play both to defend and attack. He is a regular player, with a lot of commitment and dedication, who leaves everything on the field and sacrifices himself”, says the journalist.

For him, Athletico was right to take him from Olimpia, and he remembers when the player debuted for the club, against Flamengo, in Libertadores 2021. in his opinion, the fact that he can also play as a left-back makes him a more complete player .

“Without a doubt, Mateo has a more than interesting projection. He is a boy who fought a lot until reaching Olimpia. At 23 years old, he acquired a lot of experience with the number of matches played both locally and internationally, in the Libertadores he played great games against Flamengo and Fluminense , and 2022 was his best year. If he reaches that level again, he will be very useful for Athletico and also for the Paraguayan national team”, assesses Aponte.

Kevin Ledezmafrom the Uno Radio It’s from Canal Trece de Paraguay, endorses the colleague’s praise.

“Athletico signed a player with good character. It will do him a lot of good to play in one of the best leagues in the world. You can expect him to give his all and give his all so that Athletico can achieve its goals.”

The journalist also evaluated the profile of range.

“Aerial play and marking are his main characteristics. He positions himself very well on the field and can provide peace of mind to Athletico’s defense. He is a player with a lot of personality, with a strong character and a great desire to win every game he plays. “, says Ledezma.

Aponte also outlined the qualities of Romeo Benitezstriker who came from Guaraní.

“Romeo is a player who unbalances, who challenges, has a lot of speed, with good attacking solutions, and can also help with marking by playing as a winger on the left. Athletico fans will find a player who always seeks to get rid of markers and is bold , despite not having a big physique, he has a lot of strength”, he says.