Marcelo Gallardo to Coach Ecuador, Argentine Media Reports

Marcelo Gallardo is reportedly one signature away from taking charge of Ecuador, according to Argentine media and El Canal del Fútbol in Ecuador. Reports said negotiations with the Ecuadorian Football Federation had reached an agreement, but the federation had not yet presented him officially.

Argentine newspaper Olé reported that Gallardo “is one signature away” from joining Ecuador. Journalist Renzo Pantich said the coach was ready to take the Ecuador job, while El Canal del Fútbol said his arrival was effectively settled and that he could travel to the country in the coming days.

The reports came with a note of caution. Sources close to the federation had previously acknowledged its interest and negotiations with Gallardo, but told El Comercio that the relationship had not yet been completed with absolute certainty. Gallardo became the leading candidate after Sebastián Beccacece left the post following the 2026 World Cup.

Talks began in mid-August under FEF president Francisco Egas. Gallardo also rejected an offer from Brazil’s Fluminense during the negotiations, and emerged ahead of other candidates including Gustavo Costas and Luis Zubeldía. At 50, Ecuador would be his first national-team appointment. He has previously coached Nacional of Uruguay, River Plate of Argentina and Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, winning 31 titles.

Gallardo’s most successful spell came during his first period at River Plate from 2014 to 2022, when he won 14 trophies, including the 2015 and 2018 Copa Libertadores titles. He returned to River in August 2024, but his second spell ended in February 2026. Ecuador’s first listed fixtures after a possible appointment are a tour of Asia, beginning against South Korea on Sept. 24 and continuing against Japan on Oct. 1.

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is one signature away