The squad led by Ariel Holan is already plotting new signings for the second half of the season.
Catholic University is not enjoying the best start to the campaign. Despite maintaining a top position in NK 2023 at the end of the first phase, finishing fourth with 23 points, five behind leaders Cobresal, revenues did not meet expectations. Fans expected a stronger squad able to compete in the Copa Sudamericana, a competition in which they exited in the first round to Audax Italiano.
For this reason, the team plans to add fresh faces to begin the second half in strong fashion, as they prepare for the national league and the Copa Chile. It should be noted that the competition’s foundations allow the top division teams to register up to three new players, and players recalled after loan spells do not count toward that limit. The signing window remains open until the day before the nineteenth round begins, which starts in late July.
The head coach, Ariel Holan, will prioritize strengthening the defense, particularly at right-back, following the departure of Mauricio Isla, who joined the club in mid-2022. Isla played 30 matches, contributed a goal, and provided nine assists before deciding to leave. The club’s sports manager, Jose Maria Buljubasich, stated that future decisions will be made based on sport and needs. If a better squad can be formed, everyone will collaborate to make it happen.
In GOAL, here are the names currently associated with the program’s interest:
WILLIAM SOTO
Latest update: May 23, 2023
The 29-year-old winger, currently with Huracán, has expressed a wish to return to the academy where he was developed and helped progress to the first team in 2014 under coach Rodrigo Astudillo. He earned a place in the national team in 2019 under Reinaldo Rueda and received a call-up again in 2022 under Eduardo Berizzo. His accolades include winning the Chilean Cup in 2018 with Palestino.
Reports indicate that the club has not received a formal bid for the former Rangers player. His deal with his current club runs through the end of 2025. There has been no contact from the team regarding a transfer, and while a Bulgarian club showed interest, the move did not materialize. The team’s president explained that in football everything can change and that no player is totally unavailable if a compelling offer comes along.
CAESAR PEREZ
Latest update: May 23, 2023
The midfielder from Unión La Calera, who scored against the Crusaders in a 1-1 draw in Santa Laura to end the first round, has also appeared on the club’s transfer radar. Perez has been a regular with Unión La Calera, playing the first 15 matches of the season and contributing with three goals and one assist. He has experience with Chile’s youth national teams, including appearances in the Sub-15 and Sub-17 programs.
JAVIER ALTAMIRANO
Latest update: May 23, 2023
The 23-year-old Talcahuano native, currently with Huachipato, is considered one of the academy’s core options. Huachipato has shown reluctance to part with key players, though Altamirano appeared 13 times this season, tallying three goals and three assists over 1,156 minutes. UC has already made initial contact, and Altamirano is also reported to have interest from Brazil.
CLEMENT MONTES
Latest update: May 23, 2023
Crusaders are looking to reassemble the striker who left the squad earlier this year to join Celta Vigo’s Spanish subsidiary. Reports suggest the club has a loan agreement with Celta, with an option to buy, valid until mid-June. If the option is exercised, the move would be finalized; if not, negotiations could continue and Montes may return to Católica for discussion once the current terms expire.
NEHUEN PACE
Latest update: May 23, 2023
The 30-year-old Argentinian defender may be approaching the end of his tenure at UC. He was not included in the national championship due to foreign player quotas and could seek opportunities abroad despite a contract until 2025. The club confirmed ongoing discussions about a potential departure in June, with careful consideration of options that could arise in the market. In 2022, Pace logged several appearances for clubs including Bologna, Lanús, Lecce, and Crotone, totaling eight league appearances that season.
ISLAND OF MAURITIUS
Latest update: May 17, 2023
The university club announced the termination of the contract with the winger, who had returned in mid-2022. The organization stated that the decision was reached by mutual agreement and the player chose to pursue new challenges abroad. The former Flamengo player publicly thanked the club and supporters for their backing and wished the team success in its pursuit of the league title. His last game for the Crusaders was a 1-0 defeat at Santa Laura Stadium on April 22.
Official statements indicated that Mauricio Isla and the club ended their contractual relationship by mutual consent.
Citation: Goal