The scene unfolded at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao. After disembarking from the plane bringing the team back to Lima, Sporting Director Álvaro Barco paused briefly to speak with reporters. His words weren’t a confirmation, but a clear signal that Universitario de Deportes isn’t finished building its roster.
“At Universitario, there’s always a possibility of adding players until the transfer window closes. We’ll try to bring in one, although there’s nothing concrete right now. Hopefully, a excellent opportunity will arise before Sunday,” Barco said, also expressing frustration when questioned about the future of Javier Rabanal, the sporting director under whom the team currently sits fourth in the Apertura 2026 standings with 11 points.
But even as the public message remained cautious, activity was already underway behind the scenes. A phone call went out to Córdoba, Argentina. And the name on the table was familiar to Peruvian soccer fans: Bryan Reyna.
The 27-year-old winger currently plays for Belgrano, where he has made 35 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists since arriving in Argentine soccer. However, in 2026, he finds himself in an uncomfortable situation: lacking playing time and distanced from the prominence he enjoyed with the Peruvian national team. The club is currently preparing for the upcoming season and Reyna’s role remains uncertain.
In previous transfer windows, Belgrano had been firm: Reyna would only be allowed to leave through a permanent sale. But circumstances change quickly in soccer. This time, the possibility of a loan deal has emerged.
According to sources, the agreement between Universitario and the Argentine club is “99% closed.” The phrase, revealed by a club source to this reporter, accurately reflects the current state of the operation: advanced, but still pending some contractual details.
Those remaining points include the length of the loan, whether or not there’s a purchase option at the end of the deal, and, of course, the financial aspects. The player’s salary and the distribution of costs between the two clubs are still under discussion.
If the pieces fall into place in the coming hours, Bryan Reyna will return to Peruvian soccer after two seasons in Argentina. His last official match was on November 18, 2025, when he played for the Peruvian national team in a 2-1 defeat against Chile. Since then, his continuity has been inconsistent.
At Universitario, his arrival responds to a specific need: to reinforce the attack at a time when offensive alternatives have been reduced more than expected. Injuries to Edison Flores and Héctor Fértoli have forced the coaching staff to reconfigure the front line. A slow start to the season from Martín Pérez Guedes and José Rivera, who have yet to reach the level the team needs, has added to the challenge. Simultaneously, two of this year’s signings—Miguel Silveira and Sekou Gassama—have seen limited playing time due to physical discomfort or technical decisions.
In that scenario, Reyna emerges as a player who can offer something different. He’s a natural winger, a player accustomed to one-on-one situations and breaking down defenses with speed. But in Universitario’s 3-5-2 tactical system, he can also adapt to other roles.
He could play as a second striker or as an inside forward on either flank. This would put him in direct competition with players like Lisandro Alzugaray, Martín Pérez Guedes, and Jairo Concha. In other words, his arrival would not only expand the squad but also increase competition for offensive positions.
But the move for Reyna wouldn’t be the only one Universitario is trying to finalize before the transfer window closes. Officials know that the final days of the market often open up unexpected opportunities.
One of the names circulating is Adrián Ugarriza. The Peruvian striker currently plays for Kiryat Shmona in Israel, but his situation depends on factors beyond soccer. The country is experiencing a conflict that has suspended several sporting activities.
If the Israeli league is suspended or his club decides to temporarily release its players, Ugarriza could be in a position to negotiate with other teams. In that scenario, Universitario is attentive.
The third possibility, more complex and planned for the medium term, is Piero Quispe. The Peruvian midfielder currently plays for Sydney FC in the A-League Australia, where he is on loan. However, his rights belong to Pumas of UNAM in Mexico.
When his loan expires in Australia, Quispe will have to return to the Mexican club. Only then will a window open for Universitario to explore the possibility of a new loan, provided that Pumas of UNAM decides not to count on him.
For now, the immediate focus is on Reyna. As the transfer window doesn’t wait for anyone, and March 15th will mark the definitive close of negotiations in Peruvian soccer.
At Universitario, they know that reinforcements also play their own game against the clock after a defeat that raised doubts in Andahuaylas.
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