Junior de Barranquilla is in a period of deep restructuring after a disappointing season in the Betplay League. Despite having reached the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, in which they will face Colo Colo, the team failed to reach the final of the local tournament, which has generated strong criticism and the need for changes to the squad.
This week, the departure of two players with deep roots on the coast was confirmed, marking the beginning of what appears to be a significant reform.
You may be interested in: Sheikhs would invest in Betplay League team: it is a fact
The first to leave the team is Walmer Pacheco, an undisputed starter whose contract will not be renewed. Although the information is not official yet, it is known that Junior has informed the footballer that they do not have him for the next season, which forces Pacheco to look for a new destination before the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2024.
The second player to leave is Fabián Cantillo, a 26-year-old midfielder who has decided to resign due to the lack of opportunities in the team. “The midfielder has the support of Unión Magdalena to leave the ‘shark’ team, they did not like the lack of opportunities. At this time they are making progress in the paperwork for his departure. He already has interested teams,” said Pipe Sierra, a journalist specialized in the transfer market.
Cantillo, who suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his left foot, has been off the court for part of the tournament in which he only played one game. However, his concern and boredom with the lack of playing time have been determining factors in his decision to leave Junior.
America looks for Cantillo
Juan Salvador, a journalist from Barranquilla with close ties to Junior, revealed on his program ‘Habla Deportes’ the interest that América de Cali has in the 26-year-old midfielder. This move could mean an opportunity for Cantillo to resurface and prove his worth in a new environment.
The player’s expectation is that with the coach Jorge ‘Polilla’ Da Silva, who also begins the process in America, can show the conditions that distinguished him in Unión Magdalena.
Cantillo’s history in Junior has been marked by a lack of continuity. Eduardo Dávila, the largest shareholder of Unión Magdalena, revealed that at the time Fuad Char, a shareholder of Junior, requested the transfer of Cantillo and Roberto Hinojoza, considering that they could be great contributions to the team. However, Coach Arturo Reyes has not given Cantillo space, neither before nor after his injury, which has led to his departure.
You may be interested in: Confirmed: Junior hires a promising young Brazilian football player
Regarding its future, there are two clear possibilities: join América de Cali or return to Unión Magdalena. Both scenarios offer Cantillo the opportunity to revitalize his career, although the preference seems to lean towards América, given the club’s explicit interest and needs in that position. América is looking to strengthen its midfield and sees Cantillo as a viable option with experience in Colombian football.
In the coming days, details about Cantillo’s future are expected to be finalized. This change not only represents a new beginning for the player, but also a sign of the profound changes that are brewing in Junior de Barranquilla.
