The Botafogo football club is nearing an agreement to bring Argentinian midfielder Cristian Medina to Rio de Janeiro, according to multiple reports. While the transfer isn’t yet finalized, sources indicate significant progress has been made in negotiations with the player and the group controlling his sporting rights.
The complexities of the deal stem from the fact that Medina’s economic rights are not held by Estudiantes de La Plata, his current club. Instead, they are managed by an investment fund, a detail that initially presented a hurdle in discussions. Botafogo is navigating this arrangement, working to convince all parties that a move to Brazil aligns with the financial and sporting aspirations for the 23-year-old player.
Medina has been a key figure for Estudiantes, particularly after their successful 2025 campaign where they won the Torneio Clausura. He also featured prominently in their Copa Libertadores run, reaching the quarter-finals before falling to Flamengo. Despite his importance to the team, reports from within Estudiantes suggest the player is already being treated as if his departure is imminent, having been left out of the squad for their opening match of the season.
The interest from Botafogo comes as they seek a replacement for Marlon Freitas, who has reportedly agreed to terms with Palmeiras. Medina’s arrival would bolster Botafogo’s midfield options, providing a dynamic presence and potentially opening up new tactical possibilities for coach Anselmi.
The path to securing Medina hasn’t been without its challenges. Botafogo’s previous transfer ban created a delay in negotiations, leading Medina to initially express a desire to remain with Estudiantes at least until mid-2026. However, the club is continuing its efforts to persuade him, emphasizing the potential for growth and exposure within Brazilian football.
The representatives of Medina believe that a successful stint in Brazil could attract attention from European clubs, a key factor in their assessment of the move. They had previously sought to leverage Estudiantes’ participation in the Copa Libertadores as a platform to showcase his talent to a wider European audience, but now see Botafogo as a viable stepping stone.
Interestingly, Medina’s journey to Estudiantes was itself facilitated by an investment fund. After being sold by Boca Juniors, the fund acquired his rights and subsequently placed him with Estudiantes, viewing the club as an ideal environment for his development. This history underscores the unique dynamics at play in this transfer.
While a final agreement is not yet in place, the momentum appears to be shifting in Botafogo’s favor. The club is reportedly insistent on completing the signing during the current transfer window, and are working to address any remaining concerns from the player and his representatives. The expectation is that Medina will formally notify Estudiantes of his intention to rescind his contract in the coming days, paving the way for his move to Brazil.
The situation is further complicated by reported interest from Cruz Azul, but Botafogo appears to be accelerating its efforts to secure Medina, potentially complicating any move to the Mexican league. The urgency from the Brazilian club suggests they view Medina as a crucial addition to their squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The transfer saga highlights the increasing influence of investment funds in South American football, and the complex web of relationships that can shape player movements. For Botafogo, securing Medina would represent a significant coup, adding a talented and dynamic midfielder to their ranks and signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level.
