While the home runs of the BetPlay League 2024-I continue their course and are approaching the end to define the two finalists, several teams that are still in competition are already beginning to prepare their squads for the next semester.
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That is the case of Junior from Barranquilla whose recent match fell 2-3 against Deportivo Pereira, a match that began with an adverse score of 0-3. Although they managed to close the gap, the defeat seriously complicated their aspirations of reaching the final. The complications do not end there for the Atlantic team. Dimayor has sanctioned Junior with the suspension of two key players: Didier Moreno, due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and José David Enamorado, who was sent off for an unnecessary action. These absences will significantly reduce the team’s options in its next matches. Moreno will miss only the fourth date, but Enamorado’s situation is more serious, negatively affecting the planning of coach Arturo Reyes.
Despite this negative panorama in the BetPlay League, Junior has shown a different face in the Copa Libertadores, ensuring their place in the round of 16 with an advance date. This success in the continental tournament has been a respite for the team, which now faces the challenge of maintaining its competitiveness in both competitions.
In the midst of these ups and downs, Junior has made a splash in the transfer market that will help him consolidate a competitive roster for the second semester in which the direct elimination phase in the Copa Libertadores will begin. As confirmed by the journalist Hugo Illeera, journalist very close to Junior, and Pipe Sierra, expert in the Colombian football transfer marketthe ‘shark’ team has closed the purchase of a key player and he appears with the Uruguayan National Team.
It’s about the archer Santiago Mele, who has become accustomed to being a figure in Arturo Reyes’ team and has also earned the title in the team led by Marcelo Bielsa.
“Now yes! #Junior executed the purchase option for Santiago Mele (26) against #PlazaColonia. They paid the first installment of the operation. The ‘shark’ keeps 80% of the pass. The Uruguayan will be linked to the Barranquilla team until June 2027,” the journalists confirmed.
Details of the transaction
Mele came to Junior from Plaza Colonia under a loan that ended in mid-2024. However, his outstanding performance, which was key for the team to reach its tenth star, prompted the directors to activate the 80% purchase option. of their sporting rights. This operation will represent Plaza Colonia an income of 1 million dollars, around 4,000 million pesos, a significant figure, although it can be seen as an investment given that Mele is desired by teams in several leagues.
Junior’s commitment to Mele is clear: turn him into a new Sebastián Viera, the emblematic goalkeeper who left an indelible mark on the club and who set the bar very high.
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The objective is to consolidate a team that not only seeks to win the BetPlay League, but also leave a significant mark in the Copa Libertadores.
