Soccer Rumors and Friends: France Out, Correa Stuck, and Rayados Change Plans

Cousin Jacinto and the France vs Spain Match

You’ve probably heard the saying: “what elegance from France.” Well, our cousin Jacinto showed off his shirt with the number 10 and Zidane on the back to watch the semifinal match between France and Spain’s national team.

• Spain (nicknamed the Red Fury) beat France 2–0 in a strong, clear win.
• Jacinto was so sad about France losing that he lost his appetite.
• He didn’t even eat any of the skirt-steak tacos we made!

Jacinto’s News on Ángel Correa

With France out of the World Cup Final, Jacinto told us what’s happening with Ángel Correa.

• Correa will not travel today to Tijuana to play against Xolos.
• He is very close to leaving his current team for River Plate (a club in Argentina).
• But River Plate has two problems before they can take him:
  • Pay 15 million dollars as his release clause (the fixed price to let him go).
  • Pay 2 million 400 thousand dollars for the VAT (a type of tax in Mexico).

“River Plate raised their offer to 15 million dollars, which is 3 million below the player’s release clause, and now there are two very important details left.

“The first is that the Argentine club must deposit those 15 million green bills so little Angélito can step on the plane to Ezeiza Airport.

“The second, and the part still blocking the deal that worries the Tigres bosses, is that for the 15 million dollar transfer, Mexico charges 16% VAT — that’s 2 million 400 thousand dollars — and River Plate apparently doesn’t want to pay it at first,” Jacinto said.

Ángel Correa has his days numbered at Tigres. (Imago7)

• Tigres told River Plate’s leaders that this tax money is their responsibility.
• River Plate (the “Millonarios” / “Red Band”) acts like they don’t get it and refuses to pay.
• While this isn’t solved, Correa stays here training separately (alone, not with the group).

Important Point: In Argentina, the transfer window (the last day to sign players) closes on Tuesday, July 21 — less than a week away. River Plate is now in a hurry and must decide: pay the 2.4 million dollars in taxes or the deal falls apart and Correa stays at Tigres (even if he’s angry).

Rayados Forgets About a Defender (for Now)

Our friend Artemio joined the chat and talked about his team Monterrey (nicknamed Rayados).

• When coach Matías Almeyda arrived, one position they wanted to strengthen was central defense.
• But now, the priority is to strengthen the attack instead.

Matías Almeyda was chosen to coach Rayados starting Apertura 2026 (Imago7)

“When the Matías Almeyda era began, the idea was to find a central defender, but now that no longer matches what they’re trying to close.

“They will trust Carlos Salcedo, Stefan Medina, Víctor Guzmán, and Alonso Aceves in defense. This process lets the bosses focus on signing two forwards, with Orbelín Pineda, Alexis Cuello, and Hugo Cuypers as options.”

And remember: don’t make a big fuss about it (“no se hace chicharrón en el asador”).

Summary

• France lost 2–0 to Spain; Jacinto was too sad to eat tacos.
• Ángel Correa is close to joining River Plate but won’t travel to Tijuana yet.
• River Plate must pay 15M dollars + 2.4M dollars Mexican VAT to free him.
• Tigres says River must pay the tax; River is reluctant.
• Transfer deadline in Argentina is July 21 — River must hurry.
• Rayados shifted focus from signing a defender to signing two attackers.

FAQ

1. Why isn’t Ángel Correa traveling to Tijuana?
Because he is about to leave Tigres for River Plate, so he stays behind and trains separately until the move is finalized.

2. What is the VAT problem in simple words?
It’s a 16% Mexican tax on the 15 million dollar transfer, equal to 2.4 million dollars. River Plate doesn’t want to pay it, but Tigres says they should.

3. What changed for Rayados (Monterrey)?
They first wanted a central defender, but now they trust their current defenders and will focus on signing two new attackers.

4. What happens if River Plate doesn’t pay the tax by July 21?
The transfer fails, and Correa must remain at Tigres, likely upset.