Valencia’s Perez joins River Plate

Valencia midfielder Enzo Perez is set to return to Argentina to join River Plate, according to reports in Spain.

Diario AS report the 31-year-old will join Los Millonarios in a deal worth €3m– a fraction of the €25m paid by Los Che to Benfica for his signature in January 2015.

The Argentineans were keen to swiftly conclude a deal ahead of Sunday’s cut-off for registering players for the Copa Libertadores, with the holding midfielder signing a three-year contract with the club.

Perez had been offered to Newcastle United – managed by former Valencia Coach Rafael Benitez – and Real Betis, but despite initial interest, the player intended to return to his native Argentina.

The former Estudiantes player had been transfer listed at the Mestalla by new Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral as he was one of the club's highest earners.

"There has been input from both sides to ensure the operation to Enzo Perez here goes ahead,” River Plate's director of sport Enzo Francescoli told Radio Guemes.

“The player has made a great effort to come here. We will be paying the fee agreed with Valencia, around three million euros.”

Perez made 61 La Liga appearances for Valencia across two-and-a-half seasons, but did not score a goal.

Tags Enzo Perez River Plate
La Liga - Club News