Spanish Midfielder Ander Herrera Joins Boca Juniors in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera arrived in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to join Argentine club Boca Juniors, a team he has admired since childhood. “It’s time to enjoy this unique experience and contribute my expertise,” Herrera said upon his arrival at Ezeiza Airport, located on the outskirts of the Argentine capital.

The 35-year-old player, who comes from Athletic Bilbao, is joining Boca Juniors as the club is revamping its squad for the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup. Herrera, who trained at Zaragoza in Spain and played for Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, was greeted by a noisy group of Boca supporters and journalists.

Herrera was scheduled to undergo a medical examination, a prerequisite for signing a one-year contract with the option for an additional year. He described Boca as “a giant, special club with a unique history and passion” and expressed his eagerness to speak with coach Fernando Gago soon. “My father worked here for a long time, he told me a lot about Boca, and I’ve maintained that passion since I was a child,” Herrera said.

His father, former player Pedro Herrera Sancristóbal, also served as a sports director and frequently traveled to Argentina to scout players, which is where Herrera’s affection for the club originated.

Meanwhile, Boca Juniors, under Gago’s leadership, is in the Buenos Aires city of San Nicolás to play a friendly match against Brazil’s Juventude on Wednesday. In a week, Boca will make its official debut in the first round of the Copa Argentina against Club Deportivo Argentino de Monte Maíz in Santa Fe.

Gago surprised fans by announcing the starting lineup for the first match of the year, featuring several unexpected changes. The team will play in a 3-4-3 formation, with Lautaro Di Lollo as the only natural central defender. Lucas Blondel and Tomás Belmonte will accompany him in the backline. Lautaro Blanco will start on the left flank, while Camilo Rey Domenech, a central midfielder with similarities to Gago, will make his debut after a strong preseason. The forward line will include Miguel Merentiel, Lucas Janson, and Brian Aguirre.

Boca Juniors’ lineup for the match against Juventude includes Leandro Brey; Lucas Blondel, Tomás Belmonte, Lautaro Di Lollo; Juan Barinaga, Camilo Rey Domenech, Agustín Martegani, Lautaro Blanco; Lucas Janson, Miguel Merentiel, and Brian Aguirre.