Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa is not building his team around one of the nation’s old stars for the World Cup like Portugal has done with Cristiano Ronaldo. – He could easily have done it without much criticism even though the 39-year-old former Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Valencia star has faded in recent years.
The Uruguayan is breaking up with Boca Juniors after a grey spell in Argentina.
Edinson Cavani will soon no longer be part of Boca Juniors. The 39-year-old Uruguayan striker is said to have agreed with the Argentine club to terminate his contract early – thus closing a chapter that never quite lived up to expectations, except in the sponsorship market that broke all records. Now everything points to a possible adventure in Spain, where he could become one of La Liga’s most unexpected signings.
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The matador could be on his way to Spain
The future of the Matador may lie in Spain. Although his current level no longer makes him relevant for La Liga’s top clubs, Almería is emerging as a very real option – if they manage to beat Málaga in the promotion play-offs and return to the Primera División.
CD Almeria writes dramatically on their own pages about the promotion match that will be decided on Sunday: 10 Months and 46 matches for final chapter
Edinson Cavani says goodbye at Boca – and aims for Spain
Edinson Cavani arrived at Boca Juniors as a global star. The landing at La Bombonera created enormous excitement, as he was one of the best South American strikers of the last two decades.
But his time in Argentina did not turn out as many had hoped. There were big moments, decisive goals and leadership in important matches – but also far too many injuries, little continuity and a constant feeling of wear and tear.
In 2024, the Uruguayan renewed his contract until December 2026. At the time, Boca wanted to give him continuity and allow him to finish his career in yellow and blue, but the situation changed over the months.
Physique has been decisive. Cavani no longer has the explosiveness of his best years at Napoli, PSG or Manchester United, and his ability to sustain prolonged efforts is greatly reduced.
In Argentina, there is now talk of a mutual termination. It will not be a traumatic breakup, but a negotiated exit between two parties who understand that the chapter is over.
Boca needs to free up some room and rebuild the attack. Cavani, on the other hand, wants to decide if there is one last competitive challenge left before he hangs up his boots.
Almería emerges as a serious candidate
The name Almería is gaining more and more weight in this new scenario. The Andalusian club are fighting for promotion to the Primera División against Málaga, and if they manage to return to the elite, they will strengthen their squad with a signing of considerable caliber.
Cavani would be exactly that: a sensational signing. He will not come as a future venture or a striker for long-term development, but as a name that can change the entire dynamic of a newly promoted club.
Almería knows that this operation would only make sense in Primera. In the Segunda División, it would be out of the question – both for salary, sporting and financial reasons. But with promotion, the outlook changes.
The Uruguayan could arrive for free after terminating his contract with Boca. It will eliminate the transition cost, but does not solve the real challenge: the salary and contract conditions.
Cavani will have to accept a significantly lower salary than in his heyday. Almería can’t compete with the big clubs’ sums, but they can offer him playing time, LaLiga and an attractive competitive environment.
For the player, a return to Spain will have a special meaning. He played for Valencia, where he had an uneven period, but showed quality and goalscoring flair in the box.
The promotion battle decides everything
The future of Almería greatly influences this opportunity. After a goalless draw at La Rosaleda, Rubi’s team is fighting for promotion at home, against a Málaga that is also filled with hope.
It is open. Almería have the advantage of playing the second leg at home, with a fan base dedicated to securing the club’s fifth promotion to the Primera in history.
That match will not only decide the division. It could also define what kind of transfer window Almería will have this summer – and what calibre of players they can attract.
If the team secures promotion, experience will be crucial. The Primera requires a different pace, a different authority and players who can compete under pressure from day one.
Cavani would fit in as a prestigious reinforcement. His presence in the dressing room can help the younger players and give the team an offensive reference with goalscoring flair.
However, there are obvious risks. At the age of 39, his physique is questionable, and the club has to handle playing time, salary and the role with great care.
One last chance in La Liga
Edinson Cavani faces an important decision. He could end his career after Boca, or seek one last European experience – away from the spotlights, but still in a top league.
Almería can offer him something few clubs can provide now: a leading role. He will not be a luxury substitute or a decorative figure, but a striker who will contribute in the decisive moments.
The Andalusian club will also earn a lot off the pitch. His arrival will increase the project’s international visibility, strengthen media attention and lift the squad’s attractiveness.
Sportingly, everything will depend on the physique. Cavani still has the reading of the game, the movements of a clean striker and finishing ability that does not disappear easily.
What he can no longer guarantee is weekly continuity. Therefore, Almería must support him well, protect him and understand that the impact will be more selective than constant.
Boca seems ready to turn the page. So is Cavani. And now Spain appears to be a real option – if Almería completes the job against Málaga.
The matador may have one last card to play in LaLiga. He will not be Cavani from Paris or Naples, but his name still carries weight. And for a newly promoted team, signing a player with such a history can also be a way to compete.
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