Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Independiente entered with renewed energy, ready to rebuild a squad that could contend while addressing the financial strain denting its stability. The club aimed to move beyond a difficult spell, seeking to reclaim the prestige it had enjoyed in the past and to stabilize the team both on the pitch and in the balance sheet.
On Sunday, October 2, the Independiente membership gathered under the leadership of Fabián Doman, defeating the old guard led by Hugo Moyano with an overwhelming vote of confidence. The new board immediately set in motion a plan to restore the club to its former glory, tackling poor performances and the severe economic challenges head-on.
Could reinforcements arrive despite the financial restrictions? The leadership moved decisively, accelerating the transfer market well before the close of the year. By December 24, it had announced six signings in rapid succession. This aggressive approach may be part of a broader strategy to change the team dynamics quickly. A $4.8 million debt to Gonzalo Verón had previously frozen Independiente’s ability to sign, lend, or transfer players, but all deals completed before December 26 remained valid.
In Avellaneda, expectations for 2023 are already focused on major changes. GOAL highlights the new names appearing on the horizon of the King of Cups and notes the players leaving the club as part of the rebuild.
JAVIER BAEZ
Latest news: 01/11/2022
Status: OFFICIAL
Independiente secured its ninth signing, bringing back a familiar face: Javier Baez. The Paraguayan, released by Rosario Central, returned to the club after eleven years and signed a contract through December 31, 2023.
JOHN RODRIGUEZ
Latest news: 01/04/2022
Status: waiting for the player
The defender has plans to leave Defensa y Justicia, but the Red’s offer did not tempt him, and he is exploring other options.
MATIAS GIMENEZ
Latest news: 01/02/2022
Status: OFFICIAL
Not content with one addition, Independiente announced two arrivals on Monday, January 2. Mulet was joined by Matías Giménez, as the club acquired 55% of Paseo del Pájaro from San Martín de San Juan for $800,000. The striker then signed a four-year deal.
AUGUSTIN MULET
Latest news: 01/02/2022
Status: OFFICIAL
New year, new arrival. Agustín Mulet, a 22-year-old defensive midfielder, joined from Vélez for 2023. He signed a one-year contract worth $50,000, with a potential extension to $100,000 after ten appearances. The option to buy stands at one million dollars for 50% ownership.
LUCAS ROMERO
Latest news: 27-12-2022
Status: the dog is gone
For Independiente, the transfer emphasis shifted toward departures. The first starter to leave was central midfielder Lucas Romero, who after more than three and a half years in Avellaneda opted to continue his career with León in Mexico. The club will receive $730,000 as compensation for early contract termination.
LUCIANO GOMEZ
Latest news: 24-12-2022
Status: The sixth of the Red
Independiente continued its audacious market activity by confirming the arrival of Luciano Gómez, a versatile midfielder from Argentinos Juniors. He joined on a one-year loan with an option to buy at the end of 2023.
DAMIA PEREZ
Latest news: 23-12-2022
Status: Another reinforcement!
The 34-year-old left back joined from Arsenal on a free transfer, signing with Independiente through December 2023.
RODRIGO KING
Latest news: 23-12-2022
Status: Red has a new goalkeeper
Following an impressive season in Gymnastics and a solid career trajectory, the 31-year-old keeper joined Independiente. After a routine medical check, he signed on to stay with the Red until June 2024.
MARTIN CAUTERUCCIO
Latest news: 22-12-2022
Status: Third arrived
Another attacking addition this season, Martín Cauteruccio, the 35-year-old Uruguayan who most recently played for Aldosivi, came on board. His contract runs through December 2024, and he will receive a $100,000 financial compensation for the move.
MAURICIO LEATHER
Latest news: 21-12-2022
Status: OFFICIAL
Leandro Stiletano made his second signing, a 29-year-old Colombian who had just left Banfield and joined the Red through December 2024. This addition marks his fourth team in Argentina after stints with Taladro, Olimpo, and Belgrano.
KEVIN LOPEZ
Latest news: 19-12-2022
Status: OFFICIAL
The 20-year-old central midfielder is the first new face for the 2023 Independiente squad. Hailing from Quilmes, the Reds secured 50% of his economic rights for $500,000, with an option to purchase a further percentage later on.
SEBASTIÁN SOSA
Latest news: 9/12/2022
Status: Free to Mexico
The Uruguayan saw his role diminish last season, becoming a regular substitute for Milton Álvarez in the closing stages. His contract expired at the end of 2022, and he chose to move on as a free agent, signing with Pumas UNAM after representing Uruguay in the World Cup.
LEANDRO FERNANDEZ
Latest news: 08/12/2022
Status: Free to Chile
The striker who had shown the most growth for the Red toward season’s end did not renew his contract and left on a free transfer. His destination: the University of Chile, where Mauricio Pellegrino, his former Avellaneda mentor, now coaches.
At a glance, the club’s 2023 overhaul reflects a strategic push to redefine squad balance while addressing financial constraints. The mix of re-signings, returns, and fresh faces signals a focused plan to restore competitiveness and foster long-term stability for Independiente.