Atlético Nacional officially began preparations for the 2026 Liga BetPlay season Monday, with returning loan players and incoming prospects joining the squad in Guarne. The club faces ongoing transfer questions surrounding key players like Marino Hinestroza, who continues to publicly signal his interest in a move to Boca Juniors, and Alfredo Morelos, whose potential transfer hinges on developments with Brazilian side Santos and the arrival of Neymar’s new teammate, Gabigol.Beyond the pitch, the team has also announced a new director for its High-Performance Centre as they build toward the upcoming season.
Atlético Nacional began preseason training on Monday, January 5th, as they prepare for the upcoming Liga BetPlay season. The first day of gym work in Guarne saw the return of several players completing loan spells: Samuel Velásquez (from Deportes Tolima), Hayder Asprilla (Real Cundinamarca), and Emilio Aristizábal (Fortaleza). Reports indicate that Aristizábal’s future could potentially lie in Major League Soccer.
The majority of the squad reported for duty, with Marino Hinestroza, Alfredo Morelos, Juan Bauzá, and Juan José Arias currently absent.
The situation surrounding Hinestroza remains unresolved. The player continues to publicly express his desire to join Boca Juniors, though Nacional has yet to be fully satisfied with any offer received. Hinestroza recently posted cryptic messages on social media that sparked speculation among fans and the press, seemingly directed at the Argentinian club: “What date are teams calling, or did they hang up on me?” he wrote, later adding, “Eh, haha, drop the nonsense,” alongside several emojis.
More on this: Santos of Brazil recently confirmed the signing of Gabigol, potentially opening the door for Morelos to remain with Nacional.
Meanwhile, Alfredo Morelos’s transfer is progressing, with Nacional expected to acquire 60% ownership of his contract. The recent arrival of Gabriel Barbosa “Gabigol” at Santos – where he will play alongside Neymar in 2026 – is seen as a positive development, as the Brazilian club appears willing to finalize a deal with the Colombian side.
Bahia of Brazil recently bid farewell to Santiago Arias, leaving his future uncertain and casting doubt on a potential move to Nacional.
Regarding Juan Bauzá, details remain scarce, and it’s currently unclear if he figures into head coach Diego Arias’ plans. Defender Juan José Arias, however, continues his recovery from an injury that sidelined him at the end of the 2025 season.
On the incoming front, Argentinian left-back Milton Casco (37), a veteran and key figure for River Plate, is undergoing medical examinations in Medellín. He is joined by winger Nicolás Rodríguez, arriving from Orlando City, and goalkeeper Kevin Cataño, from Real Cundinamarca.
Administratively, Andrés Felipe Gutiérrez has been appointed as the new director of the High-Performance Center, following his time at Once Caldas. Gutiérrez brings 17 years of experience, having also worked with Huila, Pasto, Pereira, and the Colombian national teams. He is a physical trainer with qualifications from both domestic and international institutions.
