Gabriel Ávalos joins Olimpia in a million-dollar transfer from Independiente

Paraguayan football club Olimpia has secured a significant transfer deadline day signing, bringing in experienced 35-year-old striker Gabriel Ávalos from Argentina's Independiente. The deal, reportedly worth around $1 million, sees Ávalos commit to Olimpia until 2028, a lengthy contract reflecting the club's strong belief in his abilities.

The transfer comes as Ávalos's contract with Independiente was set to expire at the end of December, with no renewal offer on the table. This move allows Olimpia to acquire a proven international goalscorer without the risk of him leaving on a free transfer. The fee is understood to cover outstanding payments owed by Independiente for another player, Facundo Zabala, and also settle some of Ávalos's owed wages.

Ávalos leaves Independiente after a successful tenure, having played 109 games, scored 33 goals, and provided 11 assists. He was the team's leading scorer in the previous season. His move to Olimpia signifies a return to Paraguayan football, where he began his career in 2012 before embarking on a 13-year international journey through Chile, Uruguay, and various clubs in Argentina.

His consistent high-level performance in Argentina not only kept him at the top tier but also earned him a place in the Paraguayan national team, the Albirroja, and a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. Olimpia's acquisition of Ávalos brings a wealth of experience and goal-scoring prowess, bolstering their ambitions both domestically and internationally.