Following a disappointing 2025 season-one marked by underperformance despite celebrating its centennial-Chilean powerhouse Colo Colo is already turning its attention too bolstering its roster for the 2026 campaign.The club is simultaneously evaluating the future of manager Fernando Ortiz and identifying potential transfer targets to address needs across multiple positions. Reports indicate that five players are currently under consideration as reinforcements for the upcoming season.
Colo Colo is already planning for the January transfer window following a disappointing 2025 season, a year marred by underperformance despite being the club’s centennial anniversary. The Chilean side is looking to overhaul the squad ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The first order of business is determining the future of manager Fernando Ortiz, but the club is also simultaneously identifying potential reinforcements. Currently, five players have emerged as targets to address needs at goalkeeper, defense, fullback, forward, and winger.
Five Players Linked with a Move to Colo Colo
1. Gabriel Arias
The 38-year-old goalkeeper, who holds both Argentine and Chilean citizenship, is a free agent after a successful spell with Racing de Avellaneda, where he served as captain and won multiple titles.
2. Matías Catalán
To bolster the defense, Colo Colo has shown interest in Matías Catalán, also an Argentine-Chilean dual national. The 33-year-old is out of contract with Talleres de Córdoba and has long been a target for the club, capable of playing as a center-back or right-back.
3. Francisco Salinas
The right-back from Coquimbo Unido, the reigning Chilean champions, is another potential addition for Colo Colo. At 26 years old, Salinas is enjoying a career-best season and recently earned his first cap for the Chilean national team. However, his rights are currently held by Unión San Felipe, with whom he has a contract through 2026.
4. Matías Palavecino
The 27-year-old attacker was a key figure in Coquimbo Unido’s historic title-winning season and will be a free agent on December 31st, making him a sought-after player in the transfer market. His seven goals and 14 assists have attracted interest from Chile’s biggest clubs.
5. Bruno Barticciotto
The 24-year-old Chilean forward returned to Talleres de Córdoba after a season with Santos Laguna, where the Mexican club opted not to exercise their purchase option. Barticciotto has been a long-term target for Colo Colo, but remains under contract with Talleres until 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Five players are reportedly on Colo Colo’s radar as they look to strengthen the squad following the 2025 season.
- Matías Palavecino, a 27-year-old attacker, will be a free agent on December 31st after his successful stint with Coquimbo Unido.
- Bruno Barticciotto, 24, is currently under contract with Talleres de Córdoba until 2027 after returning from a loan spell.
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Which of these players should be Colo Colo’s priority in the transfer market?
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