SBOTOP : Leandro Paredes Turns Down AC Milan as Boca Juniors Win the Battle for His Future

Leandro Paredes appears to have made a clear decision about his future. Despite receiving an approach from AC Milan, the Argentina midfielder reportedly has no interest in returning to Serie A and prefers to continue his career with Boca Juniors.

The 32-year-old midfielder has recently enjoyed another major chapter with Argentina, playing a regular role during their run to the 2026 World Cup final. His performances have once again attracted attention from European clubs, with Milan reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing him back to Italy.

However, Paredes has chosen a different path.

According to reports from Argentina, representatives of AC Milan contacted the midfielder in recent days to discuss a potential transfer. Although Paredes appreciated the interest, he ultimately decided to remain with Boca Juniors.

For Milan, the decision means another midfield target has slipped away. For Paredes, meanwhile, it represents a strong commitment to a club that remains particularly important in his career.

AC Milan Make Contact With Paredes

According to TyC Sports, AC Milanrecently contacted representatives of Leandro Paredes to ask about his availability.

The Italian club reportedly wanted to explore the possibility of bringing the experienced midfielder back to Serie A. His recent performances with Argentina had apparently increased Milan’s interest.

Paredes was an important part of Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. His experience, tactical awareness and ability to control the tempo made him an attractive option for clubs looking for an experienced central midfielder.

Milan therefore saw an opportunity to add another proven player to their midfield.

However, the approach did not lead to a transfer.

Paredes reportedly informed the Italian side that he wanted to stay with Boca Juniors. The decision means Milan must now consider other options as they continue looking for midfield reinforcements.

Paredes Chooses Boca Juniors

Paredes’ decision is understandable given his strong connection with Boca Juniors.

The Argentine midfielder returned to the club in the summer of 2025 after spending much of his career playing in Europe. His return represented an emotional moment because Boca was an important part of his development as a footballer.

Now, despite receiving an opportunity to return to Italy, Paredes appears comfortable with his current situation.

Several factors could explain his decision:

1. His strong emotional connection with Boca Juniors.
2. A desire to continue playing in Argentina.
3. Comfort with his role at the club.
4. A long history with Boca dating back to his youth career.
5. No immediate desire to return to Serie A.

At 32, Paredes may also be thinking differently about the next stage of his career. Instead of chasing another European move, he could prefer stability and the opportunity to remain at a club that means a great deal to him.

A Long History With Italian Football

Interestingly, rejecting Milan does not mean Paredes has forgotten his connection with Italian football.

The midfielder has spent several important years of his career in Italy. His European journey began there in 2014 when he joined Chievo before later playing for Empoli and Roma.

His performances eventually attracted attention from outside Italy, leading to a move to Zenit St. Petersburg in 2017.

Paredes later joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he competed at the highest level of European football and collected major domestic trophies.

His career then brought him back to Serie A.

In 2022, Paredes joined Juventus, giving him another opportunity to play in Italian football. He returned to Roma a year later after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

That long experience means Paredes knows Serie A extremely well.

Yet, despite his history in the competition, he appears to have decided that another return is not what he wants right now.

Why Milan Wanted Paredes

AC Milan’s interest is understandable when considering Paredes’ profile.

The Argentine midfielder offers qualities that can be valuable in the middle of the pitch. He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, can dictate the tempo and has extensive experience playing in high-level competitions.

His international experience is another major advantage.

Playing a regular role for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup would have strengthened his reputation and reminded European clubs of his ability to perform on a major stage.

For Milan, signing Paredes could have provided:

• Experience in Serie A.
• Leadership in midfield.
• Strong passing ability.
• Tactical maturity.
• International experience.
• A player capable of controlling the rhythm of matches.

However, the quality of the proposal was not enough to convince Paredes to leave Boca Juniors.

Milan Must Search for Another Midfielder

Paredes’ decision creates a new problem for AC Milan.

The Rossoneri now have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. With Paredes unavailable, their recruitment team will need to identify another player capable of providing experience and quality in central areas.

Finding a replacement with a similar profile will not necessarily be easy.

Paredes combines technical ability with years of experience in European and international football. His availability would have represented an attractive opportunity for Milan, particularly because he already understood the demands of Serie A.

Now that door appears to be closed.

Boca Juniors Remain Paredes’ Priority

Paredes’ decision also says something about the importance of Boca Juniors in his career.

After years in Europe with clubs such as Roma, PSG and Juventus, the midfielder returned to Argentina in 2025.

The move represented more than simply a change of club. It was also a return to familiar surroundings and a team with deep personal significance.

Even when AC Milan offered the possibility of another European adventure, Paredes reportedly chose to remain in Buenos Aires.

For Boca supporters, that decision will undoubtedly be welcomed.

Paredes’ European Chapter May Be Over for Now

Leandro Paredes has already experienced almost everything European football can offer. He has played in Italy, France and Russia, competed in the Champions League and represented Argentina at the highest level.

At this stage of his career, another European transfer may simply not be his priority.

AC Milan’s approach has provided a reminder that Paredes remains attractive to major clubs. Yet his decision to stay with Boca Juniors shows that his ambitions have changed.

For now, Paredes has chosen Boca over Milan and Argentina over another return to Serie A.

Whether that decision remains permanent will only become clear in the future. But at this moment, the message from the experienced midfielder appears straightforward: his next chapter belongs at Boca Juniors.