In a surprising turn of events, Paraguayan midfielder Matías Rojas has signed with Argentine giants River Plate on a free transfer after contract negotiations with his former club Inter Miami fell through. The move marks the end of Rojas’ brief but impactful stint in Major League Soccer and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Rojas, 27, joined Inter Miami as a free agent in April 2024 and quickly established himself as a key player under former head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. In his 16 appearances for the club, Rojas recorded an impressive five goals and three assists, showcasing his technical skill and creative flair in the attacking midfield role.
Contract Talks Break Down
Despite his strong performances, Rojas’ future with Inter Miami remained uncertain as the club entered contract negotiations at the end of the 2024 season. With his original deal set to expire, the club had the option to extend his contract for an additional two years through 2026.
However, after weeks of discussions, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a new contract. On December 9th, Inter Miami released a statement confirming that they had declined the option on Rojas’ contract and would continue separate negotiations with the player.
“The club is in ongoing negotiations with Matías Rojas [option declined],” the statement read.
The breakdown in talks opened the door for other clubs to swoop in, and it was River Plate who ultimately secured Rojas’ signature on a free transfer. The move sees Rojas return to South American soccer, where he previously played for clubs like Cerro Porteño in his native Paraguay and Racing Club in Argentina.
Preseason Plans
Rojas will now join up with his new River Plate teammates for preseason training, which is set to begin on January 17th. The club has a pair of high-profile friendly matches lined up, first against Chilean side Universidad de Chile and then against the Mexican national team on January 21st.
The midfielder will be hoping to hit the ground running and establish himself in head coach Martín Demichelis’ plans as River Plate looks to compete for silverware both domestically and in the Copa Libertadores. With his creativity, work rate, and eye for goal, Rojas has the potential to be a key player for Los Millonarios.
International Impact
At the international level, Rojas has earned 21 caps for the Paraguay national team since making his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Peru in March 2021. He scored his first and so far only international goal in a friendly against Mexico in 2022.
The move to River Plate and the Argentine Primera División could provide Rojas with a platform to continue his development and push for a regular starting spot with La Albirroja as they begin their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Inter Miami, losing a player of Rojas’ caliber on a free transfer will undoubtedly be seen as a disappointment, especially given his significant contributions in his short time with the club. The Miami side will now have to look to strengthen their midfield options either through the transfer market or by promoting from within as they prepare for the 2025 MLS season.
As for Rojas, the move to River Plate represents an exciting new challenge and the opportunity to compete for major honors in one of South America’s most prestigious clubs. If he can replicate the form he showed in MLS, he could quickly become a fan favorite at the Estadio Monumental.
