Nicolas Freire, dynamic leader of Puma looking for a European foundation

Diego Martinez’ main concern was the immediate acquisition of a central defender and especially a left-footed player. So the ‘chosen one’ name for the stopper position is, Nicholas Freire. The 29-year-old Argentine has signed with Olympiacos, and will come to Athens to undergo a medical and sign on a one-year loan from Pumas with an option to buy in the summer of 2024.

Antonio Cordón knows the Latin American market very well. During his career, there were several times when he discovered a “little diamond” from the other side of the Atlantic, which ended up becoming his career in Europe. The Spanish sporting director of the Red and Whites appears to have used his network to seal the deal and bring Freire to Europe.

His second trip to Europe

Freire is a footballer with a lot of experience and a complete biography. He jumped from the infrastructure divisions of River Plate to the Argentine Juniors divisions, while Torquay (owned by Citigroup) bought him in 2017, but he never played there.

He was immediately loaned out to Tsvole, where he made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring once, under the leadership of John van Sypp. However, he did not stay in Europe and in July 2018 he was loaned to Palmeiras again. He stayed there until January, but without catching up to Brazil. Quito’s next loan is from Ecuador, where he finished the 2018/19 season.

Then came the takeoff. Montevideo City Torque sold him to Pumas of Mexico for €2.7m. He has been there since July 1, 2019 with a total of 129 appearances, six goals and two assists, he was even awarded the captain’s armband.

Now, he’s looking for a second trip to Europe, the one that will probably make it to our continent. Olympiacos gives him the opportunity to enter the European map, through the Stoiximan Super League and of course European competitions. Independiente had come to terms with the Pumas for Freire, but he refused to return home, choosing Europe, while also being targeted by Cruz Azul.

According to the Latin American media, he also received offers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Italy, but he thought that the selection of Olympiacos, who had been tempted by the project presented to him, offered a better perspective.

Showdown with Mitchell and armband at Pumas

Nicolas Freire’s first coach at Pumas was former Olympiacos coach Mitchell, with whom he worked in 18 matches. From his early days in Mexico, the Argentinean began to show his leadership qualities. From practices to games, he was constantly talking to his teammates, directing them from behind. So it didn’t take long for him to become the leader of Puma.

He added, “Nicolas added important elements to our work in defense, because he is a player with a great personality and a popular personality. Frere developed the work of his teammates.” The former Olympiacos coach said about him.

Under the leadership of Andres Leni and Rafael Puente del Rio he was irreplaceable in the center of defence. Freire is a dynamic stopper, not afraid of marking and has the ability to break up attacks and steal balls with ease. These are dynamic elements that Diego Martinez wants to bring to Olympiacos as he builds a tougher team.

Freire’s situation at Pumas changed with the arrival of Antonio Mohamed to the Mexican club. The new coach did not have the Argentine footballer in his plans, who was looking for a new stage in his career.

Now, Freire is expected to sign on Sunday in Greece with Olympiacos and open a new chapter in his career. Cooperation aimed at benefiting both sides.