Family Cash Alzira has lost its star player, Kevin Arrieta. Without fans having the chance to see the World Cup bronze boot from Uzbekistan in action. Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan has paid the release clause. The World Cup runner-up has decided to leave the Valencian team without even debuting in the Second Division. This swift transfer left Family Cash Alzira unable to hold onto Arrieta. As the Kazakh club, urgently seeking a left-footed player to balance their squad, made an irresistible offer. After considering other options, they ultimately chose the Argentine winger. Sources confirm that Kairat paid €10,000 for his release.
Arrieta was one of Alzira’s key signings, brought in to help the team return to the First Division after their relegation last season. The 27-year-old had arrived from Barracas Central and had previous experience in Spain, with Peñíscola in 2021. As well as in Italy with Feldi Eboli, and back home with Boca Juniors and Ferro Carril Oeste. He was expected to fill the gap left by Carlos Gómez’s move to Viña Albali Valdepeñas. This transfer is a major setback for coach Braulio Correal, who will now have to wait until the winter transfer window to find a replacement. According to Family Cash Alzira’s president, Vicente Fontana, the departure also causes significant financial and sporting damage, as the clause fee doesn’t even cover the transfer management costs and the procedures for Arrieta’s visa and work permit in Spain.
Dramatic Turn
Kevin Arrieta’s journey has taken a dramatic turn in the last month. Initially left out of Argentina’s World Cup squad by coach Matías Lucuix, he was later called up on September 10 to replace the injured Andrés Gerarghty, Osasuna Magna. In Uzbekistan, Arrieta became one of Argentina’s standout players, scoring 7 goals and earning the bronze boot, finishing behind Marcel Marques, ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida, and Ukraine’s Danyil Abakshyn. After losing the final to Brazil, he officially joined Family Cash Alzira on October 8 but hadn’t yet debuted due to bureaucratic delays. Now, Kairat has suddenly stepped in to change his path once again.
In Almaty, Arrieta has signed a one-year contract with an optional second year and will be coached by Spanish manager Marlon Velasco. He becomes the first Argentine to play in Kazakhstan, joining a team that recently won the Super Cup against their main rivals, Semey (3-1), who had dethroned them as league champions last season. This summer, Kairat further strengthened their squad by signing Higuita and Ferrao.