Briasco Balekian leaves Boca: Armenia national team forward to continue his career at Gimnasia Mendoza

Armenia national team forward Norberto Briasco Balekian will continue his career away from Boca Juniors. The Buenos Aires club has officially loaned the 29-year-old striker to Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza for one year. The agreement includes a purchase option that can be activated at the end of the season.

This marks Briasco’s second consecutive spell away from the “blue and golds.” A product of Huracán’s academy, who made his professional debut in 2016, Briasco joined Boca in the summer of 2021 for a fee close to €2.9 million. During his time at one of Argentina’s most decorated clubs, he played more than 50 official matches and won the domestic league title, as well as the League Cup and the Argentine Super Cup in 2022.

Last season, Briasco was on loan at Gimnasia La Plata, where he featured in 30 matches and scored one goal. Despite regular playing time, the club decided not to exercise the purchase option.

The move to Gimnasia Mendoza is primarily driven by the striker’s desire to secure more playing time and relaunch his career. The Mendoza-based team, recently promoted to a higher division, is counting on Briasco’s experience as they aim for stable results in the upcoming season.

Norberto Briasco Balekian has been regularly called up to the Armenia national team since 2018 and has already earned more than 18 caps. He has taken part in UEFA Nations League matches and European Championship qualifiers.

Briasco’s contract with Boca Juniors runs until December 2026, meaning several options remain after the loan ends: a return to Buenos Aires, a permanent transfer, or a new chapter at another club. It is worth noting that during the most recent transfer window, other Argentine clubs also showed interest in the player, but Gimnasia Mendoza ultimately secured the deal.