According to Globo.com, a transfer ban that prevents the club from registering new players is delaying Botafogo's ongoing negotiations with Estudiantes for Cristian Medina. Botafogo is negotiating with Atlanta United and Major League Soccer (MLS) to lift the ban. Medina is training with the Estudiantes squad but did not participate in the training session on Wednesday.

According to Globo.com, Cristian Medina is one of Botafogo's main targets. Medina was offered to Botafogo by the group of businessmen who control his economic rights. The club from Rio de Janeiro is attempting to convince all parties that their project is viable to meet the financial and sporting appreciation sought by the businessmen who invested in the player. Negotiations are ongoing, but Botafogo is currently sanctioned and is unable to register new athletes. Medina's salary is considered high by Estudiantes, who would not get a transfer fee for his sale and, at best, would aim to retain a percentage of a future transfer. Agustín Alayes, director of Estudiantes, stated in late December that Medina's future is not dependent on the club and that his departure is the most probable outcome. He also mentioned that Medina could easily rescind his contract, which is one of the possible paths.

Globo.com reported that Cristian Medina was offered to Botafogo by the group of businessmen who control his economic rights. Botafogo is trying to sign the Estudiantes player to replace Marlon Freitas, who has agreed terms with Palmeiras. Negotiations are ongoing, and Botafogo is trying to convince all parties that the project presented is viable to meet the financial and sporting appreciation sought by the businessmen who invested in Cristian Medina.

Botafogo are once again pursuing Cristian Medina, who is expected to be a starter for Estudiantes in the final of the 2025 Professional League Clausura Tournament. According to Ge Globo, the investment group that facilitated the midfielder's move to La Plata is considering the idea of the player moving to Brazilian football, where they hope he can achieve a higher revaluation than in Argentina. In Brazil, it is assured that the group would cover most of the costs of the operation for him to become a player for the Carioca team. The club has approved the situation, aiming to compete again at the international level after winning the Copa Libertadores in 2024. Botafogo tried to acquire Medina in December 2023, when Boca rejected an offer of 7 million dollars for 80% of the transfer.

Botafogo and 23-year-old Argentinian midfielder Cristian Medina have resumed negotiations, revisiting the club's strong interest from early 2024. The player's representatives recently approached the Rio de Janeiro club to suggest a transfer, and Botafogo approved the suggestion. His agents are reportedly unhappy with his valuation in Argentinian football and believe he would be more valued in Brazil. They had previously paid his release clause to his formative club, Boca Juniors, themselves to secure his move to Estudiantes, where he is now a regular starter. The deal's progression now depends on Medina's willingness, which he will only express after Estudiantes' final match of the season, the Torneo Clausura final against Racing this Saturday. Last year, Botafogo made three proposals to Boca Juniors for the player, but the club would only sell for the release clause amount. Medina, who has 10 caps for Argentina's U23 team, is under contract with Estudiantes until the end of 2029 and has a current market value of €8.00m, according to Transfermarkt. São Paulo has also been linked with the player.