The squad under Mauricio Pellegrino is already plotting fresh signings for the second half of the year.
After the opening phase of the 2023 National Championship, Universidad de Chile is gearing up for the latter part of the season. The team, led by Pellegrino, didn’t begin the campaign with its usual momentum, yet it gradually built momentum and left behind the relapse years that had seen them battling relegation.
In fact, from the fourth match, a 2-1 victory over Magallanes sparked a three-game winning streak, something the blues hadn’t achieved since 2020. That same year marked the last time the students were competitive at the top and earned a spot in the Libertadores qualifying rounds.
However, the first half closed with a draw against Ñublense, raising questions as the club endured three consecutive winless results. Still, they remained in sixth place with 23 points, five behind leaders Cobresal, awaiting the resumption of the suspended Clásico against Universidad Católica, halted on April 30 due to incidents at Ester Roa Rebolledo.
Consequently, the club is exploring new faces to start the second semester strong for domestic league duties and the Chile Cup. It is worth remembering Article 13 of the competition’s Foundations, which allows the 16 top-tier teams to register up to three new players, with the caveat that players returning from loans are not counted against this limit. The signing window runs until the day before the nineteenth matchweek begins, scheduled for the July 30 weekend.
The blue team’s initial priority is to strengthen the attack, having registered 15 goals so far this season. That tally places them among the league’s lowest forays, lagging behind only the bottom two clubs, Deportes Copiapó and Universidad de Chile’s academy, each on 13 goals.
“The plan for the second part of the year comes from conversations among the sports management, the coaching staff, and the club. Those talks haven’t happened yet, so it isn’t the moment to discuss possible departures or arrivals. First, they must talk to those involved,” stated the club’s president. “When building a squad, players come and go, and this will be no different. Those discussions have not taken place, and once they occur, the decisions will be made.”
In GOAL Let’s take a look at players who could be targets for the students:
MATIAS SEPULVEDA
Latest news: 31/05/2023
The midfielder from Audax Italiano has alternated between the university teams to bolster the midfield. Reports from Radio Cooperative indicate that negotiations could begin with the Florida-based club, as the 24-year-old is set to terminate his contract at season’s end. He has represented Chile at the U-17 and U-20 levels and previously featured for O’Higgins before moving to Italy in early 2022. In his first season abroad, he played 27 official games, contributing a goal, and two assists. This season he has appeared 20 times, with three goals and two assists in league and international competition combined.
LUKE JANSON
Latest news: 24/05/2023
The 28-year-old winger is among the leading candidates to reinforce the blues. Born in Olavarría, he currently plays for Vélez Sarsfield, a club Pellegrino has familiarity with from their time together between 2019 and 2022. A major hurdle is the foreign player cap. As reported by Radio Cooperative, his arrival would hinge on the nationalization of Federico Mateos or the departure of other foreign players already registered. Names like Nery Domínguez, Emmanuel Ojeda, Leandro Fernandez, Cristian Palacios, and Mateos fill all five foreign slots.
“He is a key player, and his contract runs until 2025,” commented Christian Bassedas, Vélez’s sporting director. The player has previously featured for Tigre and Toronto FC in Canada and has 13 league appearances this season with a total of 975 minutes, contributing four wins. With Vélez, he won the 2019 Superliga Cup and is currently the club’s top scorer in the Libertadores with 10 goals.
JAVIER ALTAMIRANO
Latest news: 24/05/2023
The 23-year-old Talcahuano‑born midfielder, who is with Huachipato, remains a priority for Universidad de Chile. The Steelers are reluctant to part with key players. This campaign saw him feature in 13 matches (1,156 minutes) with three goals and the same number of assists. A formal approach from Universidad Católica has already emerged, with interest from Brazil as well.
JEISSON VARGAS
Latest news: 31/05/2023
The 25-year-old midfielder recently ended a loan spell with Al-Rayyan in Qatar and is no longer considered by the current lay squad owner. He scored four goals in Qatar and added two assists, but Pellegrino did not see enough impact to keep him. There is interest from O’Higgins and Huachipato, both reported as possibilities for the midfielder who studied at Universidad Católica.
LUCAS ASSADI
Latest news: 22/05/2023
In Spain, Real Betis and Real Sociedad are reportedly monitoring him as a primary target. Described as rapid and unpredictable, he uses his pace to create chances and finish with precision. He has a year and a half left on his current deal with Universidad, with a market value around 1.8 million euros according to transfer trackers. However, recent reports suggest he may not fit into the coach’s current plans. Noted transfer analyst Ekren Konur has discussed interest from La Liga clubs, drawing parallels to Ayoze Perez for the left-footed winger’s ability to cut in and shoot from diagonals.
DARIO OSORIO
Latest news: 26/05/2023
Darío Osorio has drawn Leicester’s attention, with reports of a potential seven-million-dollar bid. Interest from Wolverhampton and AC Milan in the past highlights his reputation, though past negotiations did not materialize. Osorio’s profile remains highly valued by clubs looking for a creative midfielder who can influence games in the attacking third.