After a strong 2022, Racing Club is aiming for a 2023 filled with ambitious goals across every competition.
The Academy closed 2022 with a mix of highs and lows. They went from a sensational stretch to losing crucial duels, a late penalty deciding a dramatic league result, and in the final match they edged Boca Juniors to lift the Champions Trophy and finish on a high note.
Qualified for the next Copa Libertadores and emerging as a genuine contender on multiple fronts, Fernando Gago’s squad is focused on strengthening further to continue building success in the years ahead.
AGUSTIN URZI
Getty Images
Latest news: 01/06/23 Status: coach hinted at interest
“I didn’t ask for it.” These were Fernando Gago’s words when pressed about Urzi. He didn’t go into detail, but made one point clear: the interest belongs to the club, not to him as coach.
The leadership at Racing has already opened talks with their Banfield counterparts. The plan is to take Urzi overseas, with some clubs showing a willingness to buy. If a transfer doesn’t materialize, Racing could pursue a loan with a fee and a purchase option, though the 22-year-old playmaker carries a 20 million euro release clause. Urzi has experience with the Argentina Under-20 National Team and played in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with the team that represented Argentina there.
JOHN NARDONI
Latest news: 01/05/23 Status: OFFICIAL
In March 2022, Gago spoke to ESPN about two players from Unión who could join his squad, specifically calling out Portillo and Nardoni as players he wanted for the 2023 season.
Unión made the move official: the sale was set at USD 4,750,000 with a 10% capital gain reserved for a future sale. Total compensation for Racing Club, including taxes and commissions, ran to roughly $6,000,000. This marked one of the most significant internal transfers in the club’s recent history.
MAXIMILIAN MORALEZ
Getty
Latest news: 12-23-22 Status: OFFICIAL
An familiar face returns to the Academy. Moralez first joined the club in 2005 and played a key role in securing a relegation escape in 2008. Now, at 35, he returns for a second or third spell. After stints with Vélez Sarsfield, Atalanta, Leon, and New York City FC, he comes back on a two-year deal after a long run abroad.
Moralez explained the choice of number 27, saying it feels like a personal symbol and a nod to his original debut at Racing.
OSCAR OPAZO
Colo Colo
Latest news: 21/12/22 Status: OFFICIAL
The first addition of the squad for Gago arrived: Oscar Opazo. The Chilean right-back, formerly with Colo Colo, signed a two-year contract and immediately gave Racing a more secure option on the flank as doubts about the position were resolved from last season.
GASTON GOMEZ
Latest news: 12-16-22 Status: a loan to the Fortin
Nicknamed Chila, the midfielder demonstrated during Gabriel Arias’ injury absence that he could start in Argentine football. When the first-choice Chilean goalkeeper returned, Gomez found it tougher to keep his place. He will head to Vélez Sarsfield on loan for a season with an option to purchase.
EUGENE MENA
Crusaders
Latest news: 12/10/22 Status: Returned to Chile
Keno parted ways with Racing after four years and three titles. He had arrived from Bahia in 2018 and became a reliable stalwart. Now he returns to Chile to join Universidad Catolica, where he signed through December 31, 2024.
Mauricio Martinez
@Copa_Argentina
Latest news: 07/12/22 Status: released
The midfielder left Racing as a free agent. Injury struggles limited his playing time, and despite the coaching staff’s interest, he sought a new destination. He joined Liga de Quito under Argentine coach Luis Zubeldía.
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