Colo Colo aims higher while Blanco & Negro faces the challenge of expanding its admissions chances in the near term.
Colo Colo is not at its best in the 2023 Primera División, yet the team is pushing to recover the 2022 championship deficit, sitting several points behind the leaders and occupying fifth place with a margin of several points from the top. The notable reduction in the squad compared to the previous season was evident in a subdued Copa Libertadores group stage, creating an urgent need for Gustavo Quinteros to utilize the three available reinforcement slots.
New signings include Maximiliano Falcón, Agustín Bouzat, Matías de los Santos, Fabián Castillo, Darío Lezcano, and Emiliano Amor, who must wait a couple more months to be active. Regardless, one or two departures will be necessary to clear room for fresh additions from outside the club.
“The new players arrived injured repeatedly. We don’t really know how they will perform,” said Gustavo Quinteros to GOAL before reflecting on the team’s formation. The comment came amid a broader self-critique about the squad’s structure and strategy.
— Homero Ramirez (@ramirescl) May 19, 2023
- Next the players circling the market for the second half of the year:
ANGELO SAGAL
The Chilean left winger Ángelo Sagal is under scrutiny, reported by TNT Sports. He is nearing the end of his loan at Ferencváros and remains linked to Gaziantep. Once the loan ends (June 30), negotiations with Blanco & Negro could begin in earnest. He is set to complete his Hungary stint against Mezőkövesd-Zsóry on the final weekend of May.
DARIO LEZCANO
The Paraguayan forward managed 3 goals in 303 minutes across the season and suffered a myofascial tear in the rectus femoris. Quinteros publicly labeled him as the other striker who is often unavailable, unlike Leandro Benegas who, despite inconsistent form, is regularly available. The former Juárez player could depart Colo Colo as a viable option is sought for all parties. “Half of the year ended and he couldn’t play,” the coach commented after a trip to Venezuela for Colo Colo’s 1-1 draw with Monagas.
He still has a year and a half left on his contract and does not want to move hastily.
GONZALO LENCINA
According to ESPN, Colo Colo initially increased its bid for striker Gonzalo Encina. The Chilean club hopes to pry Junior from Barranquilla away and seal the deal in the coming days. The Argentine 9 scored 9 goals in the first half of 2022 and had 11 in the previous season with Atlético Rafaela.
OSCAR OPAZO
Opazo is viewed as a priority return to the Monumental. The idea is that a familiar name, who understands the club and Quinteros’ methods, could rejoin the squad. Other contenders include Facundo Mura and Iván Pillud, who are still with Racing and have not closed their exits.
Blanco has stated that there is openness to selling if a suitable deal appears, but no mandate to force a move otherwise.
ARTURO VIDAL
“I’m not going to Colo Colo,” commented the veteran midfield maestro after Flamengo’s lackluster draw with Ñublense in Concepción. The dream of a homecoming remains a possibility only if the right circumstances arise and timing aligns with both parties.
LUCAS DI YORIO
The Argentinian winger from León is another target for Blanco & Negro, viewed favorably after his strong form with Everton, where he contributed 11 goals and one assist across competitions, before a transfer to Liga MX.
ISLAS MAURITIUS
The experienced right-sided option, once linked to U. Católica, is now part of the search for a name with reliability and physical presence. The coaching staff has flagged him as a potential fit but wants to assess fitness and contract terms before any signing moves forward.
Coach Quinteros, speaking to GOAL, emphasized the need to ensure continuity and physical readiness before any new arrival is confirmed. The ongoing evaluation of candidates continues as Blanco & Negro analyzes market options and internal condition.
— GOAL Chile (@GoalChile) May 17, 2023
PABLO PARRA
Parra is considered a priority after addressing the striker role and seeking a versatile attacking midfielder. While his attributes are attractive, the coaching staff remains cautious about the fit and has not ruled out other options should a preferred choice not materialize.
DANIEL AND BRUNO GUTIERREZ
Two popular homegrown defenders have extended their contracts through 2026, reinforcing the club’s defensive core and signaling a long-term commitment to local talent.
CACIQUE
Colo Colo announced that Bruno Gutiérrez has extended his contract to continue defending the club’s iconic shirt. The club celebrated the extension with a public message and a social post, signaling a continued partnership with the homegrown talent.
Let’s keep the momentum going together!
– Colo Colo (@ColoColo) April 27, 2023
Source: Goal