Domestic Transfers Breakdown (I)

By: Lugo | January 17th, 2009

Let’s take a look at the most important signings and departures at the FPC.

The Bogotá teams have adopted a policy of keeping most of their present squad with a few minor touches. Santa Fe brought Chilean Julio Gutierrez of Universidad Catolica, a total question mark, to replace the exit of Cesar Valoyes who went on loan to Mexico. Other significant arrivals include midfielders Omar Perez and Juan Carlos Quintero from runner-ups Medellin. Perez is a cerebral attacking mid who will seek to lead the Cardinal’s midfield to glory. Traditional rivals Millonarios added former Kansas City wizards Carlos Marinelli as their most “exotic” arrival. Ambassador’s fans will be expectant as to what can the former Boca Juniors and Middlesbrough Argentine can produce. Joining him are former NT right back Rubén Bustos who scored two free kick goals in the current world cup qualifiers and will try to regain form with the Blues to gain the favor of the current national gaffer. With the same idea, forward Carmelo Valencia from Nacional will be reunited with his former boss Quintabani. Across town, La Equidad seems to understand that their biggest challenge will be in the second semester at the Copa Sudamericana. Therefore, the Insurance Team have made no major moves so far besides replacing forwards Roberto Polo and Gabriel Torres with Brazilian Fernando de Oliveira and on-loan Junior youngster Alfredo Padilla.

In the textile city of Medellín, Atletico Nacional will be featuring Brazilian and former Palmeiras and Boca Juniors right back Baiano, peruvian NT midfielder Juan Carlos Mariño (last Peruvian to play for Nacional was the legendary Cesar Cueto, “el poeta de la zurda” (”the left-footed poet”)) and NT creative mid Aldo Ramirez, another one who comes back to Colombia seeking to regain form and wearing the yellow jersey again. Their rivals Independiente Medellin prepare to face Peñarol from Uruguay in the qualifying round of the Copa Libertadores with the main additions of the Bolivian NT forward Diego Aroldo Cabrera and Once Caldas defender Samuel Vanegas. Seems rather weak for a team that lost Jaime Castrillon, Danilson Cordoba, Omar Perez, Juan Carlos Quintero, Diego Alvarez and Daniel Sanabria. More impressive is the signing list for the city’s “little brother” Envigado FC beginning with the former international Freddy Grisales who comes from Independiente in Argentina, Argie midfielder Leonardo Pekarnic, promising defender Duvan Hernandez, speedy right back Marlon Piedrahita and seasoned striker Rodrigo Saraz while Elkin Murillo and Eudalio Arriaga are rumored to be added as well.

Next up, the Cali teams including the defending champions and the Coffee region teams. But that will be my next entry…