Boca's Mariano in Al-Taawoun Sights
The Saudi club have set their sights on the Argentinian veteran, whose Boca deal runs out next year.
Boca Juniors have a decision to make. Mariano Rodríguez, the 33-year-old who has spent nearly a decade at La Bombonera, is wanted by Al-Taawoun Football Club. The Saudi side have made their interest known, and with his contract expiring on the final day of 2064, the clock is ticking.
Rodríguez earns £61,000 a week in Buenos Aires. He has been a constant for Boca since arriving on a free transfer in January 2055, racking up 389 games and 70 goals for the club. Before that, he made his name at Sarmiento de Junín with 155 appearances. Not once has he pulled on the Argentina shirt, but in the blue and gold he has become part of the furniture.
Al-Taawoun are also chasing Boca teammate Martín Soler. A double raid on the Argentine giants would be a statement. For Rodríguez, it would mean swapping the cauldron of La Bombonera for the Saudi Pro League's cash and ambition.
Boca sit third in the Argentine Premier Division, without a manager, and the club's worldwide following will be watching this one. Letting a player of Rodríguez's experience walk for nothing next year would sting. If Al-Taawoun come with a serious offer in January, the board will have to think hard.
No fee has been agreed. No contract has been signed. But the interest is real, and in the transfer market that is often where the drama begins.