Adiós, Europa! What Paredes and De Paul leaving European football means for La Albiceleste

Commentary by Mundo Albiceleste subscriber Guille06.

Introduction

The summer transfer window of 2025 has seen several big moves involving the Argentinian national team: Franco Mastantuono joined Real Madrid for €45 million, whereas Thiago Almada chose to sign for their city rivals Atlético Madrid for €21 million (numbers according to transfermarkt.com). Notably, though, players like Ángel Correa (30), Paredes, and De Paul (both 31) chose to leave Europe after several years of top-flight football. For decorated players entering the later stages of their careers, this might not be surprising. Regarding the upcoming World Cup next year, however, the timing might raise a few eyebrows. The following commentary will therefore discuss some possible implications for the Argentine national team. First, however, it seems logical to give a brief overview of the individual player profiles of Paredes and De Paul, respectively.

Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes emerged as a promising young attacking midfielder for Boca Juniors, with strong playmaking abilities and a phenomenal right foot. With his transfer to AS Roma, however, he started playing deeper on the pitch, where he was able to take full advantage of his set playmaking abilities and dictate play from defensive midfield. His aforementioned right foot is also a viable offensive option, posing a threat with long-range shots outside of the box, powerful free kicks, and highly reliable penalties. With these qualities, he was able to score a respectable 23 goals and provide 32 assists in 290 matches as a defensive midfielder at the club level (source: transfermarkt.com). Recently, with the rise of Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández, his game time has decreased since the last World Cup.

Rodrigo De Paul

Similar to Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul did not start his career in the position where he would ultimately excel. Although he was always versatile when breaking through at Racing Club, he was mostly seen on the left, either as a wide midfielder or left winger. During his time at Udinese Calcio, he eventually shifted more centrally. He established himself as an elite engine and creative outlet, which eventually earned him a move to Atlético Madrid. Often overlooked is his tenacity and defensive work rate out of possession. He also exhibits a great tactical understanding of the game, shown by the numerous positions he has played in and underlined by his link-up play with Lionel Messi. These attributes make him one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. Their performances were vital for Argentina’s Copa América triumph in 2021, forming a formidable midfield connection with Giovani Lo Celso.

Potential implications for La Albiceleste and the 2026 World Cup

Playing in Europe is not a necessity to be called up for the Argentine national team. Competing for another World Cup title next year, however, implies continuously performing and training at the highest level. It is not unreasonable to assume that Paredes and De Paul could see a drop in quality, even if it is ever so slight. Therefore, it seems worth discussing some potential candidates to fill the vacant spots in midfield.

For Paredes, who usually played in the deeper position of a three-man midfield, Máximo Perrone (22, FC Como), Enzo Barrenechea (24, Benfica), and Alan Varela (24, FC Porto) could be reasonable choices. Whereas Perrone and Barrenechea have already been called up by Scaloni, Varela has not yet been considered. His ability as a deep-lying playmaker offers a similar profile to that of Paredes. Barrenechea would be a more defensive option and would add some much-needed height with his 1.86 meters in the Argentine midfield.

Replacing De Paul could be a more difficult task. Talent-wise, Nico Paz (20, FC Como) should be one of the first names on Scaloni’s list. Like De Paul, Paz’s passing and creative abilities are huge assets for his teams. In terms of work rate and defensive coverage, however, it remains to be seen if Paz can clear the high bar De Paul has set. Facundo Buonanotte (20, Brighton & Hove Albion) shows similar traits in terms of pressing and creativity but has yet to prove himself at the highest levels. Instead, Ezequiel Palacios (26, Bayer Leverkusen) could see his game minutes increase. La Albiceleste could also see a surprise return of Nicolás Domínguez (27, Nottingham Forest), who was able to establish himself in the midfield of Nottingham Forest. The Copa América winner of 2021 used to be part of Scaloni’s wider selection of players but hasn’t seen any minutes since November 2021 (World Cup qualifier against Brazil; 0–0). Although these players could fill similar roles to De Paul, it is questionable at best whether they can develop a similar, seamless connection with Lionel Messi.

This ties back to broader questions regarding the tactical approach Scaloni will choose in the fight for more World Cup glory next year. Recent performances during the World Cup qualifiers without Lionel Messi included impressive wins against Uruguay (0–1, away) and Brazil (4–1, at home). The players Scaloni relied on while their captain was absent should have sparked confidence for a time after Messi. As of now, it is quite unlikely that Scaloni chooses not to start Messi. Furthermore, Scaloni has been hesitant in the past to drop players who might not be at their peak anymore but whose connection with the rest of the team remains strong. With Paredes and De Paul leaving the highest levels of football, they could risk the strategic flexibility of the whole team, which was a core component of the World Cup triumph in 2022.

The broader picture

The transfers of De Paul and Paredes cannot be seen in isolation.

Over the last year, several World Cup champions have returned to Argentina: River Plate was able to sign Marcos Acuña (33) and convince Germán Pezzella (34) and Gonzalo Montiel (28) to rejoin their project. Similarly, Ángel Di María (37) recently returned to Rosario Central, the club where he celebrated his breakthrough many years ago. For the Liga Profesional, these transfers are prestigious signings and will hopefully boost its attractiveness for foreign spectators.

For La Albiceleste, however, it indicates a “changing of the guard,” with several mainstay players reaching the autumn of their careers. The full effect of this transition will most likely unravel after the 2026 World Cup. While it is quite likely that De Paul and Paredes will still be part of the squad, their recent transfers could imply retirement from the national team after the tournament. With Otamendi (then 38) and, of course, Lionel Messi’s future (then 39) in the air, La Albiceleste could lose more prominent faces and the backbone of its recent historic success.

Even more worrisome is the prospect of losing Scaloni himself after the tournament. His contract is set to expire at the end of 2026. Taking into account his public statements and struggles after the last World Cup victory, Lionel Scaloni—who would still only be 48—could opt for a new project instead of signing another contract with the AFA.

In summary: The transfers of Paredes and De Paul could be the small stones falling from a mountaintop that lead to an avalanche of changes—not all of which every fan of the Argentine national team might welcome.