Leandro Paredes Rejects Neymar Reunion, Signs with Boca Juniors
The Argentine midfielder turns down a potential Santos move to return to his roots at Boca Juniors.
After a disappointing campaign in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Boca Juniors wasted no time reloading for the future. The Argentine giants have officially secured the signing of Leandro Paredes, who returns to the club more than a decade after his professional debut.
Boca Beats Neymar’s Santos to Land Paredes
According to renowned journalist César Luis Merlo, Boca Juniors reached an agreement to bring Leandro Paredes back from AS Roma, activating his €3.5 million release clause. The 30-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a 3.5-year contract, keeping him at the club until the end of 2028.
Interestingly, Paredes was previously recommended by Neymar to his boyhood club, Santos, earlier this year. Despite the Brazilian star’s personal push, no formal talks progressed between Paredes and Santos.
Why didn’t it happen?
At the time, the Argentine was committed to seeing out his contract with Roma. However, circumstances have now changed and Paredes is heading home.
Paredes’ Career Path: Full Circle
Paredes began his professional journey at Boca Juniors in 2011, making just one senior appearance before heading to Europe. His career includes notable stints at:
- Chievo Verona (loan)
- AS Roma (multiple spells)
- Empoli (loan)
- Zenit Saint Petersburg
- Paris Saint-Germain, where he played alongside Neymar
- Juventus (loan)
- Roma, where he returned in 2023
Strong Form at Roma Before Transfer
Before his move, Paredes was a regular starter for Roma during the 2024/25 season:
- 32 appearances
- 23 starts
- 4 goals and 2 assists
- 2,018 minutes played
Despite his role in Italy, the pull of returning to Boca proved too strong.
Boca Juniors Planning a Midfield Overhaul
The signing is a bold move by Boca, who were eliminated early from the Club World Cup after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Auckland City. The return of Paredes signals a midfield rebuild as the club aims to bounce back domestically and internationally.
