Robertone heads home to Vélez as Almería clear the decks
Argentine midfielder Lucas Robertone returns to Vélez Sarsfield after five and a half seasons at Almería in a loan deal with obligatory purchase option worth €2.5m.
After months of speculation, Lucas Robertone’s Almería chapter closes as the Argentine midfielder secures a return to boyhood club Vélez Sarsfield.
Deal Details
The transfer has finally crossed the line after several attempts dating back to last summer. Almería and Vélez reached a verbal agreement in the early hours for a paid loan with an obligatory purchase option. The total package is worth approximately €2.5 million (just over $2.8 million USD) - a significant loss on the €6.5 million Almería paid Vélez back in 2020.
Quiet Exit
Robertone’s departure has been on the cards for some time. The midfielder missed Wednesday’s training session with an Achilles tendon complaint and took the opportunity to say his goodbyes to teammates, with goalkeeper Andrés Fernández confirming his exit in a press conference shortly after.
In a poignant moment, Robertone reportedly told club staff: “I hope you remember me when you get promoted” - a touching nod to Almería’s current struggles in Spain’s second tier.
Mixed Legacy
After five and a half seasons at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, Robertone leaves with a mixed legacy:
- Arrived as a marquee signing in 2020 for €6.5 million
- Established himself as a key player during Almería’s promotion campaign
- Shone in his debut La Liga season
- Suffered a significant drop in form over the past two campaigns
- Fell out of favour under current management
The writing was on the wall since pre-season when it became clear he wasn’t in manager Rubi’s plans. Only personal circumstances prevented his exit during the summer transfer window.
Final Farewell
Robertone’s last appearance in the famous red and white came on January 3rd against Granada. In what now seems a deliberate goodbye, he gifted his shirt to supporters in the stands after the match.
Despite his limited playing time this season (restricted to just that league appearance and two Copa del Rey matches), club sources have praised the Argentine’s professionalism right to the end. Proper diamond geezer, that.
For Robertone, the move represents a chance to return to his roots and be closer to family in Argentina after his European adventure.