Mariano Peralta to Persib: Playing-Style Adaptation Is the Gamble in BRI Super League

Mariano Peralta left Borneo FC Samarinda to join Persib Bandung in the transfer window ahead of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League. The move by the Argentine player has become one of the most talked-about transfers in Indonesian football, especially after he recorded 20 goals and 14 assists last season.

Peralta was courted by two big clubs: Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung. Persija was reported to be close to securing his signature, but Persib moved faster and successfully secured the services of the player wearing the number 10 shirt. Persija's management even confirmed their interest, but negotiations ultimately fell through.

Peralta's arrival at Persib does not automatically guarantee success. Former Borneo FC coach Joaquin Gomez warned that Persib's playing style differs from what was usually applied in Samarinda. According to Gomez, Peralta needs time to adapt to the new scheme, especially when facing high pressure from opponents.

"Persib Bandung may play with a slightly different style from what he previously experienced at Borneo FC Samarinda, Peralta needs time to get used to it," Joaquin Gomez told Bola.com journalists.

Gomez also highlighted Peralta's performance against Persija Jakarta. Although his debut with Persib was fairly good, he was judged to struggle against the tight pressing and close down applied by Macan Kemayoran. "It is not Mariano Peralta's fault, but how Persija Jakarta played the match and carried out close down and pressure well," he added.

Besides Peralta, Persib is also strengthened by Berguinho, his former teammate at Borneo FC. Gomez assessed that the two have different playing characters but understand each other, so they have the potential to become a dangerous combination in attack. "I am happy to see Mariano Peralta and Berguinho play together again at Persib Bandung. They are two players with different styles but who understand each other very well," he said.

For Persib, bringing in Peralta is an ambitious step to defend the title and compete in the BRI Super League. However, the biggest challenge is blending Peralta's playing style with the team's tactics. The Persib coach must be able to design a scheme that maximizes individual ability without sacrificing team balance.

Indonesian context: Peralta's transfer reflects the trend of Liga 1 clubs becoming increasingly aggressive in bringing in quality foreign players. Competition between big clubs is not only on the pitch but also in the transfer market. The presence of players like Peralta and Berguinho is expected to increase the league's appeal and competitiveness, while also becoming a magnet for sponsors and spectators.

Going forward, the public will be waiting to see whether Peralta can repeat his brilliant performance at Persib. If he adapts successfully, he could be the key to Maung Bandung's success. Conversely, if he struggles, criticism will be directed at the team's transfer strategy and tactics. Can Peralta prove that he is not only a star in Samarinda but also in Bandung?