Overview
- Multiple Argentine and Ecuadorian outlets report negotiations led by FEF president Francisco Egas have progressed to the point that Gallardo is expected to travel to Quito in the coming week to sign, but the federation has not yet issued an official announcement.
- If formalized, Gallardo would replace Sebastián Beccacece, who left the role after Ecuador’s exit from the World Cup, and would begin work on short-term fixtures before longer-term goals such as Copa América 2028 and World Cup 2030 qualification.
- The Asian tour timetable cited in coverage includes a match against South Korea in Suwon on Sept. 24 and a tournament in Yokohama, Japan, on Oct. 1 featuring Japan, Panama and New Zealand.
- Ecuadorian media frame the move as a major upgrade because the national team has a strong group of players abroad — including Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, William Pacho, Gonzalo Plata and Pervis Estupiñán — who could fit Gallardo’s style.
- Gallardo’s résumé combines a celebrated first River Plate cycle with mixed recent results at Al‑Ittihad and a disappointing second River spell, which raises high expectations but also creates pressure given the short preparation window and lack of prior national‑team experience.