Premier League
Marco Verratti has become Boca Juniors' great dream to strengthen the midfield for the upcoming season. The Italian footballer, who had a golden era at PSG and currently plays in the Middle East, could be facing the opportunity to return to a more competitive football environment. In Argentina, they believe that his arrival would mean an immediate quality leap and an injection of hierarchy for a midfield that needs leadership and experience.
However, Verratti's name is not the only one being considered at La Bombonera offices. In case the Italian's signing does not materialize, Boca Juniors has already activated a plan B that also excites the fans: Santiago Ascacíbar. The current captain of Estudiantes de La Plata is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Argentine football and is also on the radar of their archrival, River Plate, which could trigger a real market war locally.
Verratti, the excitement shaking La Bombonera
The potential arrival of Marco Verratti at Boca Juniors has stirred up enormous excitement among the xeneize fans. Despite his more than two seasons away from the main focus of European football, his technical quality, game vision, and ability to control the pace of matches remain unquestionable. In a context like South American football, his talent could make a difference from day one.
Within the Argentine club's environment, they dream of seeing him leading the midfield and providing that international experience highly valued in tournaments like the Copa Libertadores. Boca believes that with the right project and a significant financial effort, it's possible to convince the Italian that returning to a competitive elite now involves Argentina.

Ascacíbar and the threat from River Plate
While the Verratti option remains alive, Boca Juniors is silently working on Santiago Ascacíbar's alternative. The Estudiantes midfielder is the engine of his team, a player with character, physical prowess, good tactical reading, and strong leadership despite his relative youth. All these virtues have made him a highly coveted piece within the local market.
The big issue for Boca is that River Plate has also set its sights on him. Marcelo Gallardo believes that Ascacíbar would fit perfectly into his system, and the millonario club is willing to enter a direct bidding war. This direct rivalry would raise the stakes of the operation, but it also adds an emotional component that could work in Boca's favor, as the player might prefer to wear the blue and gold jersey.
A decision that will shape the market
Boca's priority is clear: to try, until the end, to sign Marco Verratti. However, as days go by and the complexity of an international operation sets in, the balance might shift towards the local market. In that scenario, Ascacíbar becomes a more realistic and strategic option both in sports and economics.
In any case, everything points to Boca Juniors being one of the main protagonists in the upcoming transfer period in South America. Whether with the arrival of a global star like Verratti or with the addition of one of the best midfielders in Argentine football, the xeneize club is determined to make a statement and return as an absolute protagonist on the continent.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El plan B de Boca por si falla el fichaje de Verratti
