Sheffield United appear to have lost out to Boca Juniors in the race to sign Nicolas Gaitan.
Nicolas Gaitan appears to be signing for Boca Juniors. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
The former Benfica man was available after being due to leave MLS side, Chicago Fire. He had been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the Blades credited with an interest alongside the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham.
However, Gaitan now appears to have sealed a move back to his homeland with Boca Juniors.
Speaking to the publication, Record, Vice-President Christian Gribaudo confirmed the club has indeed signed the attacking midfielder.
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“I can confirm that we have a deal with Nico Gaitán, a club-trained player and our DNA. I am very happy to be able to say that he will be our player from January,” Gribaudo said.
The move back to Boca marks a return to the club where it all started for Gaitan. He has been a success away from South America, however, with spells at both Benfica and Atletico Madrid.
Gaitan spent just under a decade with Boca Juniors in the 2000s before eventually sealing a move across the Atlantic with Benfica.
One that never really looked likely for Sheffield United
In all honesty, when this story broke a month or so ago, it was always unlikely the Blades were going to make their move for Gaitan. That’s not to say we didn’t have an interest, just given our history, it didn’t seem likely.
Gaitan was linked with Sheffield United last month. (Photo by Gabriel Rossi/LatinContent via Getty Images)
There was so much in the way. High wages, where he would fit in with the current squad, and the fact it would be the most un-Chris Wilder like signing we have seen so far.
Indeed, we did do an in-depth look at Gaitan at the time. Even then, we ascertained it might not be a rumour that has legs when it came to the Blades.
However, it’s always nice to be linked with such big names. While Gaitan might be back at Boca, the fact Sheffield United were even in the hat shows how far this club has come.
