The Ecuadorian forward was introduced as the new reinforcement for Xeneize and had his first practice under the orders of Rodolfo Arruabarrena. He could be called up against Recoleta
After weeks of waiting, Boca finally has its new forward. Enner Valencia was officially presented this Sunday as a reinforcement for the Xeneize, signing a contract until December 31, 2027 and participating in his first practice with the team led by Rodolfo Arruabarrena. Now, the big question is whether he will get minutes on Tuesday against Recoleta, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.
The signing was announced by the club through a statement highlighting the experience of the 36-year-old Ecuadorian striker. Valencia arrives with 190 goals and 70 assists in his career, 9 titles at the club level, and the recognition of being the all-time top scorer for the Ecuadorian National Team, with 49 goals. Additionally, he has played in three World Cups and five Copa América tournaments.
The statement from Boca regarding the signing of Enner Valencia
The forward was already present in the 1-1 draw between Boca and Vélez and joined training this Sunday. His last official match was on June 30, when Ecuador lost 2-0 to Mexicoin theround of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, so Arruabarrena will need to assess his physical condition before deciding on his participation against the Paraguayan team.
Valencia's arrival is largely in response to a need that Boca demonstrated at the beginning of the semester: to find a forward who can convert the chances the team creates into goals. Against Vélez, the Xeneize had several opportunities but struggled again to convert them.
So far, Miguel Merentiel has been the coach's main alternative to occupy the center forward position, although the Uruguayan does not feel comfortable as a target man and has only scored one goal this semester, in the first leg against O'Higgins. Meanwhile, Milton Giménez has just recovered from an injury and has not yet secured a starting spot, while Adam Bareiro continues to recover from his herniated disc.
Arraubarrena still hasn't found his goal-scoring striker
Now, the coaching staff will have to decide how to manage his first minutes. It is most likely that the Ecuadorian will be part of the squad for Tuesday's match and, if he responds well physically, he could start gaining playing time from his first appearance in Boca's jersey.
Valencia's numbers at Pachuca
In his only year wearing the Mexican team's jersey, the Ecuadorian played 3,429 minutes, spread over 47 matches, in which he scored 26 goals, provided 3 assists, and received 8 yellow cards and 1 red card for double booking.
