Richard Sánchez, a Paraguayan midfielder who joined Racing Club at the beginning of 2025, is now expected to leave the team. Sánchez’s arrival was initially seen as a big win for the club’s management, led by Diego Milito. However, things haven’t worked out as planned, and coach Gustavo Costas has included him on a list of players who may be transferred for the 2026 season.
Racing Club invested a significant $3 million to bring Sánchez in, taking him from América de México, where he was a star player. Unfortunately, Sánchez struggled to adjust to Argentine football and the coach’s strategies. As a result, his time with the club has been short and with limited opportunities to play.
During 2025, Sánchez participated in only 13 games, starting in just six of them. In total, he played a mere 618 minutes without scoring any goals or providing any assists. His minimal impact was also evident in the Copa Libertadores, where he only played in two group stage matches and was completely left out of the squad for the knockout rounds.
The club now faces a challenge in finding a new team for Sánchez, mainly because of his high salary and a contract that lasts until 2028. Olimpia of Paraguay has shown some interest, but Racing Club believes that the best solution might be a loan deal with an obligation to buy him permanently. This would allow them to potentially recover some of their initial investment.
Besides Sánchez, other players like Barrios, Santiago Quirós, and Ramiro De Gregorio are also expected to leave. This indicates a major overhaul of Costas’s squad, following a year where the team achieved some goals but individual performances were inconsistent. The departure of these players marks a significant change for the team as they look ahead to the 2026 season. The club will be aiming to bring in new players who can better fit the coach’s system and contribute more effectively on the field. The goal is to build a stronger and more cohesive team that can achieve greater success in the future. This restructuring phase is a crucial step for Racing Club as they strive to improve their performance and reach their full potential.
