Ariel Holan’s team is actively shaping a plan to lift league and cup performances through a refreshed squad and smarter reinforcement choices.
The 2022 season at Universidad Católica delivered a tough lesson: the club fell short of its ambitious quintuple dream, exited early from the Copa Libertadores, and endured a streak of setbacks in the Copa Sudamericana. The team also failed to triumph in the Copa Chile and dropped the Super Cup to Colo Colo, who went on to claim the National Tournament as well. With leadership changes from Cristian Paulucci to Rodrigo Valenzuela and finally to Ariel Holan, the club recognized the need for stability in the market approach for 2023 and vowed to avoid past mistakes.
- GOAL reviews names individually, mapping out a year of bold ambitions with a revamped roster designed to close gaps and raise performance across competitions.
JOHN LEIVA
The plan for Leiva was to extend the collaboration through a one-year loan with a purchase option for the following seasons.
Juan Leiva joined Ñublense on loan for 2023, aiming to build momentum and gain regular competitive minutes in a tough regional league.
Best of luck to Leiva in the 2023 season with the Chillanejos. pic.twitter.com/TBNqh5BVgu
– Catholic University (@Cruzados) December 14, 2022
BYRON GRANDSON
The move to Universidad Católica was finalized with a formal signing and presentation. The winger comes with a clear mindset: bring energy, contribute offensively, and compete for a starting role, potentially pairing with Mauricio Isla on the right flank. In 2022, he accumulated 34 appearances across domestic and international competitions for CDA, after progressing through Recoleta and Barnechea, and now seeks to lift his level with the Crusaders.
The confirmed reinforcement adds depth and intent to UC’s attack as the side prepares for a demanding year across the league and cups.
ALEXANDER ARAVENA
On arrival, Aravena expressed eagerness to contribute to both national and international challenges. Returning from Ñublense, where the club exercised a purchase option, the forward was ready to help the team push toward its goals. Aravena’s 2022 tally reached 12 goals, and his versatility across the frontline made him a valuable asset for the squad’s offensive plans.
EUGENIO MENA
Eugenio Mena committed to Universidad Católica for a two-year spell, emphasizing professionalism and a quick adaptation to the Crusaders’ high standards. On joining, he highlighted UC’s history of success and the club’s ongoing ambition, noting his desire to help the team compete strongly on all fronts. The seasoned defender spoke about his excitement to join a club known for sustained excellence and a winning culture.
The signing was celebrated as a significant addition to the squad, with expectations that Mena would bring leadership and experience to Católica’s defense and build chemistry with teammates like Isla on the field.
Eugenio Mena will link up with Isla once more, reinforcing the right-side structure and bringing a familiar bond from previous campaigns, which fans hope will translate into consistent results.
LCatholica announced the transfer with optimism, underscoring the new era of intent for 2023.
YAMIL ASAD
Asad’s chapter with La Franja concluded as contracts were not renewed. After contributing minutes across multiple competitions, the midfielder left UC with a sense of growth and a wish for continued good fortune for the club from the supporters and the pitch alike. His departure marked a new direction for UC as they recalibrated the midfield lineup for the upcoming season.
BRUNO BARTICCIOTTO
Barti Jr. entered a partial sale arrangement, with Palestino securing 50 percent of his rights. The forward posted solid numbers in the 2022 campaign, and the club’s balance sheet reflected a positive evaluation of his performance, even though he would not remain at UC for the moment. The arrangement highlighted Universidad Católica’s strategy of balancing developing talent with financial prudence.
GERMAN LANARO
The Chilean-Argentine defender departed after a decade with the club, leaving as one of the Crusaders’ most successful foreign players. He spoke about the mix of emotions after a long era with UC, expressing gratitude for the relationships built and the victories earned. His exit signaled a shift in defense and the need to bring fresh leadership into the squad as the team prepared for the next campaign.
LUCIANO AUD
Aud’s return to Argentina marked the end of a chapter in which he contributed to UC’s efforts. The move reflected a broader strategy to recalibrate the squad’s forward momentum and to recognize the value of players who helped shape the club’s recent competitive runs.
JOSE PEDRO FUENZALIDA
Captain Fuenzalida confirmed that his time with the Crusaders would extend to its final matches before a heartfelt farewell. The club prepared for a ceremonial close to his illustrious tenure, with supporters looking forward to a memorable home game that would honor his contributions with the team and the fanbase.
His retirement trajectory remained open to discussion, as the veteran forward weighed future steps while acknowledging how much he had given to UC over the years.
In late October, several other moves were outlined as part of UC’s broader renewal, including potential paths for players like Fuenzalida and others who contributed over the years. The goal remained clear: assemble a competitive squad capable of contending for every title and making a strong run in national plus international competitions.
ARTURO MCCONNOCHIE ACCOUNTANT
The 2004-born striker, an American-born Chilean with US connections, trained with UC’s youth teams during trials. The club evaluated his potential as part of a broader plan to infuse youth talent into the project and to secure a pipeline for future seasons.
Last noted as being on trial, this development represented one of several avenues the Crusaders pursued to strengthen depth and long-term viability.
Nicholas CASTILLO
Castillo’s situation remained emotionally charged as discussions continued about his return. While his physical readiness was a factor, the club and player remained committed to exploring options that would enable a meaningful comeback. The history of Castillo with the Crusaders kept him in the squad’s larger narrative as both sides weighed the best path forward.
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THEY TERMINATE THE CONTRACT AND NEED TO NEGOTIATE CONTINUITY OR FINALIZE DEPARTURES
- Cristóbal Finch, Felipe Gutiérrez, Cristian Cuevas, Raimundo Rebolledo, César Munder, Nicolás Peranic, Vicente Bernedo and Benjamín Iglesias.
Source: Goal