Argentinians in the Bundesliga – An analysis of fan’s perceptions

Commentary by Mundo Albiceleste subscriber Guille06.

The most recent summer transfer window saw more Argentine players move to the Bundesliga than in previous years. Aarón Anselmino, Claudio Echeverri, Ezequiel “Equi” Fernández, and Nicolás Capaldo all joined clubs in Germany’s top division, either on loan or through permanent transfers. With the Bundesliga entering its winter break until 9 January 2026, this article reviews the performances of these new Argentine arrivals so far.

The analysis is based on a qualitative review of fan forum discussions on Transfermarkt.com, assessing supporter perceptions of the new Argentine signings in the Bundesliga.

Aarón Anselmino (Borussia Dortmund; Chelsea FC)

Aarón Anselmino joined Borussia Dortmund from Chelsea FC on a season-long loan with no option to buy. His spell at the Westphalian club has been mixed so far, largely due to injuries, including a recent one suffered during a Champions League match against Bodø/Glimt.

To date, Anselmino has played five Bundesliga matches, starting four of them. He has scored one league goal and provided one assist in the Champions League. His recurring injury issues appear to be the main factor limiting his development. Despite this, Dortmund supporters already view the 20-year-old as a potential long-term defensive option. He is praised for his tackling ability, anticipation, and maturity, and is seen as bringing stability to a previously inconsistent defense. His composure in possession and ball distribution from the back are also highlighted positively.

Some fans believe he has the potential to develop into a future standout for Argentina. Areas identified for improvement include overly aggressive challenges and decision-making when playing long passes.

Claudio Echeverri (Bayer Leverkusen; Manchester City)

The second Premier League loanee to arrive in the Bundesliga, Claudio Echeverri also joined on loan without an option to buy. His time at Bayer Leverkusen has been less successful so far, with limited playing opportunities. Although he has appeared in six Bundesliga matches, he has accumulated only around 10 percent of the total available minutes.

Fans view his dynamism as his main strength, allowing him to create unpredictable moments, as demonstrated by his last-minute assist against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. However, supporters criticize his decision-making and lack of physicality as key reasons for his limited impact.

The general consensus among fans is that Echeverri requires more time to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of top-flight European football. At the time of writing, it was confirmed that his loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen would be terminated early, a development discussed later in this article.

Ezequiel “Equi” Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen)

Another Argentine arrival at Bayer Leverkusen last summer was Ezequiel “Equi” Fernández, who joined from Al-Qadsiah for a reported fee of €25 million. His transfer initially raised skepticism among supporters due to the size of the fee and his move from the Saudi Pro League. Notably, Fernández became the first player to transfer directly from the Saudi Pro League to the Bundesliga since the 2015/16 season.

So far, Fernández has made six Bundesliga appearances, starting three matches and logging approximately 28 percent of the available playing time. He faced early criticism after being sent off for a second yellow card in his debut match in September. Since then, fan sentiment has shifted positively. Supporters value his strong tackling, intelligent positioning, and aggressive defensive work rate. These qualities are complemented by solid technical ability and progressive passing. Prior to an injury, Fernández formed an effective midfield partnership with Aleix García.

Nicolás Capaldo (Hamburger SV)

Perhaps the most surprising case is that of Nicolás Capaldo, who joined Hamburger SV for a reported fee of €2.1 million following a four-year stint at Red Bull Salzburg. Hamburg earned promotion back to the Bundesliga after seven seasons in the 2. Bundesliga. As a result, the club strengthened its squad significantly, creating strong competition for central midfield positions.

Capaldo has therefore been deployed primarily as a central defender. Across 13 matches, including 12 starts, he has played 75 percent of the available minutes and recorded one assist. He has quickly become a fan favorite, particularly for his leadership qualities. Head coach Polzin has named him captain in ten matches despite his short time at the club. Supporters praise his intensity, defensive awareness, and organizational skills, with one fan describing him as “the best captain in a long time.”

Conclusions and Overall Assessment

In summary, the four Argentine players have experienced differing levels of success at their respective Bundesliga clubs. Based on fan assessments, the transfers of Anselmino, Fernández, and Capaldo can be considered largely successful, despite individual challenges. Injuries limited the playing time of both Anselmino and Fernández, yet both earned the trust of supporters. Capaldo, meanwhile, secured consistent minutes in an unfamiliar position and exceeded expectations as a defensive option.

Collectively, these three players stood out in defensive roles, combining anticipation, tackling, and technical competence. Anselmino and Fernández, in particular, were praised for their modern defensive profiles, while Capaldo demonstrated similar attributes despite his positional adjustment.

Echeverri’s transfer, by contrast, is widely viewed as a misstep. Regarded as one of Argentina’s most promising young talents when he joined Manchester City in January 2025, his first year in Europe yielded limited success outside the 2025 CONMEBOL U20 Championship. Several contextual factors influenced his situation at Leverkusen, including major squad changes and managerial instability following the departures of key players and head coach Xabi Alonso. His successor, Erik ten Hag, was dismissed after just two Bundesliga matchdays. The absence of a purchase option and the short duration of the loan further reduced Leverkusen’s incentive to prioritize his development.

Following the early termination of his loan, Echeverri was omitted from Leverkusen’s matchday squad. Fan reactions reflect disappointment rather than outright criticism. While many acknowledge his talent, doubts remain regarding his adaptation to European football, drawing comparisons to players such as Paulinho, who struggled in Europe despite early promise.

During the Christmas period, it was announced that Echeverri would join Girona FC on loan until the end of the season. While a move to a lower-table La Liga side may provide more opportunities, Girona’s relegation battle under manager Míchel presents additional pressure. Failure to meet immediate expectations could again limit his playing time. A longer loan focused on tactical and physical development at a less pressured club may have offered a more favorable environment.

This analysis is based exclusively on fan forum discussions and does not incorporate systematic statistical data or expert evaluation. The conclusions should therefore be interpreted as reflective of supporter sentiment rather than objective performance measurement.