River Plate spends millions but can't break losing streak

The 2026 Clausura season has already begun, but off the field, the Liga Profesional de Fútbol’s 30 clubs are busy reshuffling their squads in a bid for the title. River Plate, a prominent club in this changing landscape, has experienced a tumultuous start to the season. Despite signing experienced defenders like Nicolás Otamendi and forwards like Rafael Borré, River has suffered three consecutive losses since the start of the new campaign.

This poor performance has put pressure on coach Eduardo Coudet, who took over from Marcelo Gallardo in March. The team's struggles have already resulted in the departure of forward Maxi Salas, a player whose time at River has shed light on the precarious nature of Argentine football. Salas, once a star of the winter transfer market, joined River from Racing Club after convincing the club to release him from his contract, breaking a long-standing rule between Liga Profesional sides.

However, Salas' brief tenure at River was marred by his lack of loyalty and poor treatment by the club. The forward was placed in a shipping container, a makeshift dressing room for surplus players, before being loaned out to Independiente Rivadavia. Salas' experience at River reflects the harsh realities of the football industry, where players are often viewed as interchangeable assets that can be let go at a moment's notice.