Domestic Transfers Breakdown (III)

By: Lugo | February 3rd, 2009

A week before the start of the league I’m finally able to finish my transfer series. Part of the delay was because of the turmoil generated by Deportes Tolima’s initial decision of not participating in the league. Such decision was overturned when the league threatened to sanction Tolima with dissafiliation and with having to return in the second division whenever they decided to comeback. So the league will start with it’s 18 teams and let’s review the remaining six, from North to South.

Atlético Junior The coast’s powerhouse boasts a level of star power that has their faithful fans from Shakira’s hometown with a renewed illusion. Proven solid Uruguayan goalkeeper Adrian Berbia, classy attacking midfielder Ricardo Ciciliano and young tough holding midfielder Jaime Cordoba are three sweet addition to an already talent-packed lineup while Alex Jaramillo and Brayner García add some solid depth in defensive positions.

Newly-promoted Real Cartagena from Colombia’s main turistic destination promised keeping the core of players that helped them gain such promotion but the addition of key veterans such as Juan Carlos Henao, Oscar Passo and Edward Jimenez suggest they will fight relentlessly to avoid returning to the second tier.

Former Copa Libertadores Semifinalists Cúcuta Deportivo mainly features the return of Jorge Luis Pinto, the former National Team coach who gave them their last title and is adored by the fans and the whole city. Alongside him, Paraguayan attacker Roberto Gamarra and Uruguayan #10 José Luis Tancredi will try to be the main offensive forces of a team that shouldn’t be as cash-strapped as it seems, considering their last season sale of Macnelly Torres to Colo-Colo for 2 Million US Dollars.

Copa Libertadores participants Boyacá Chicó seem awfully prepared to match their continental commitment so I basically expect them to leave in the first round. They announce the “rebirth” of former promise Anthony Tapia (who was playing on second tier sides) alongside the interesting left back Ormedis Madera and other failed promises such as Cristian Racero and Juan Gilberto Nuñez. Their hopes rest on Argentinian maestro Miguel Caneo who recovered from his injury of last season.

Atlético Huila loaded fully to avoid the lingering threat of relegation (In Colombia, relegation’s based on the average of the last three season) being srikers Hernan Cordoba, Ivan Velazquez and midfielder Carlos Salazar their most interesting aquisition. Argentinian CB Nicolas Ayr should bolster their defense.

Considering their economic crisis, it’s understandable that Deportes Tolima made no moves besides the recovery of on-loan midfielders Jaider Rodriguez and Gilberto García. But let’s not forget that they already have a more than competitive squad that managed to finish first in the regular season of last semester. Their heroic fantasista Rodrigo Marangoni alongside the versatile Christian Marrugo plus a plethora of young and flashy strikers like Perlaza, Mejia, Rivas Chará and Franco Arizala are more than enough to make you wonder what’s wrong with Ibagué fans that fail to attend the Murillo Toro stadium.

Mission accomplished. Let’s hope for a very entertaining season.