San Lorenzo's Bold Move: Leandro Allende Joins Amid FIFA Ban Drama

In the world of sports, sometimes you have to play the long game, and boy, is CA San Lorenzo de Almagro playing it like a seasoned chess grandmaster. On July 1, 2025, the club made waves by signing Leandro Allende, the 28-year-old left midfielder from Quilmes, for a cool 90 million pesos. And they did it all while under a FIFA ban, which is akin to throwing a party while the parents are away — risky but potentially rewarding.

Leandro Allende, a name that may soon be rolling off the tongues of fans at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain, has been lighting up the field with his performances. His journey from Deportivo Pronunciamiento, through Chaco For Ever, and finally to Quilmes, reads like an underdog story straight out of a Hollywood script. In his current season at Quilmes, Allende clocked in 18 appearances with a staggering 94% of minutes played. Who needs a Fitbit when you've got stats like that?

But let's not forget his defining moment — scoring the winning goal against Arsenal in the sixth round, a goal that was as satisfying as watching the underdog win in a sports movie. It's these moments that make Allende an exciting prospect for San Lorenzo's midfield, especially with the team gearing up for upcoming competitions. Coach Aldo Duscher is reportedly intensifying training, although the team is dealing with injuries, including that of Fernando Torrent. Who knew managing a football team could be as complex as a soap opera plot?

The transfer, amid the FIFA ban, signals ambitious management moves by San Lorenzo. It's as if they’ve decided to star in their own reality show, taking calculated risks to shake up the status quo. The addition of Allende strengthens their midfield options and adds a dash of intrigue to their strategy. Only time will tell if this bold move will pay off, but one thing’s for sure — San Lorenzo is not afraid to roll the dice.