El Toro crosses the mountain range once more to join a new challenge in Chile. In 2022 the journey from higher expectations to quieter days continued for Independiente as the club negotiated its finances and tried to settle its debts. A key chapter involved placing Leandro Benegas on loan to Colo Colo, with the Reds agreeing to a transfer strategy that allowed the striker to explore fresh opportunities while the Argentine-Chilean forward remained under contract terms that forgave a portion of past salaries from the last quarter of 2022.
The 2023 reinforcements for the famous albo were shaping up, and at 11 p.m. on January 11, Colo Colo announced the acquisition of Benegas for one season, extending through the final day of 2023. The announcement marked the beginning of a high-profile collaboration between the Chilean giant and a veteran goal scorer who had previously left a mark in South American football.
Seals his bond and becomes a new member of the #CHAMP33ÓN era. Welcome to Colo-Colo. Let’s enjoy the season together. A live presentation was planned for Thursday at 9 a.m. to officially introduce the striker to fans on the club’s YouTube channel.
“He trained up to today, they are working with a highly professional player. My message to him is to aim for the Super Cup on the 15th,” commented a seasoned coach reflecting on the transition and the professional setup around the player, with insights shared on sports broadcasting outlets.
Impact and departure came together as Independiente accepted a financial settlement for Benegas. The move to Colo Colo represented a transfer of 200,000 dollars plus the cancellation of outstanding debts. Over 41 appearances, Benegas tallied 13 goals and delivered 6 assists, a tally that sparked discussion about his most productive period and the direction of his career. How would one describe his step into Colo Colo? The move was widely analyzed by followers and pundits alike.
Benegas, previously with Universidad de Chile, arrived in Macul to fill the gap left by Juan Martín Lucero, while Colo Colo explored options to reinforce the Gustavo Quinteros attack line. In his prior season with the Gigante de América, he enjoyed a prolific spell, scoring 13 goals and providing 6 assists. His peak form came early in the campaign, with 9 of those 13 goals recorded in the first semester, including a strong Copa Sudamericana showing that underscored his impact in continental competition.
Now at 34 years old, the Chilean-Argentine veteran who also featured for La Roja against Colombia in 2020 brings notable aerial prowess and plenty of experience to the Chilean champions. Although his tenure at Universidad de Chile did not reach the same heights, his ability to identify spaces and convert chances added a valuable dynamic to Colo Colo as they pursued domestic glory and international opportunities, including the league title and cup competitions.
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Note: Information compiled from contemporary reporting and club communications illustrates the dynamics around Benegas’s move and the ongoing development of Colo Colo in the 2023 season. The coverage reflects how fans and analysts tracked the transfer window and the subsequent impact on team plans and matchday squads.