Marcelo Gallardo targets Matías Suárez for River Plate attack | OneFootball

River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo knew he would have a challenge trying to replace Gonzalo Martínez.

The 25-year-old forward announced his departure from La Banda after their successful run in the 2018 Copa Libertadores.

River’s offence stuttered in their loss to Defensa y Justicia, their first loss in the Superliga Argentina in over a year, and underlined the need for a new striker at El Monumental.

Gallardo thinks he may have found his ideal player in 30-year-old Belgrano forward Matías Suárez.

Speaking after his defeat to Defensa, Gallardo confirmed his interest in acquiring Suárez and suggested that the admiration was mutual.

“He brings together qualities of a footballer who has played at a good level for many years in Europe.”

Suárez left Belgrano for Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League in 2008 and played there for eight seasons.

He returned to Argentina in 2016 and has re-established himself in the Superliga Argentina with El Pirata.

“He came back and plays in a team where perhaps he does not shine the most, but I think he is a footballer who has the level to player at River.”

The 43-year-old feels he has done his part and is now waiting on other at the two clubs to work out the financial details.

“I’ve done my part, the other part has to be agreed by the clubs. Clearly, we’ll see if we can reach an agreement with Belgrano.”