

His arrival promised a lot, but Jhonny Quiñónez’s time at Independiente turned out to be just that: a simple promise. As we enter 2025, he is still training alongside his teammates at Villa Domínico, but it seems his days at the club are numbered, and he could leave during this transfer window.
Since he is not a priority for Julio Vaccari, who brought in Pablo Galdames to play in his position, Independiente could open the doors of the Libertadores de América-Ricardo Enrique Bochini stadium for Quiñónez to find playing time that he doesn’t get in Avellaneda, freeing up a foreign player spot. There’s already an international club interested.
The interested party is Barcelona de Guayaquil, which, although it has not made an official offer, has already inquired about his contractual situation and could move quickly in the coming hours. Talks are ongoing, but it’s unclear whether his departure would be a sale or a loan.
What’s certain is that Quiñónez never managed to establish himself in the midfield and is not in the coach’s plans for this season, which will see challenges both locally and continentally with the Copa Sudamericana. Since his arrival in January 2024 from Aucas, for a reported million-dollar fee for 50% of his rights, he has played only 13 matches, with just five as a starter, scoring two goals, both from the penalty spot.
In September, a telling incident occurred that clearly reflects Jhonny’s irregular spell at Independiente: after 11 minutes in the first half against Argentinos Juniors, he came on for the injured Federico Vera. However, before the 15-minute mark of the second half, Vaccari replaced him with Santiago Hidalgo, and he left the field to the sound of whistles from the fans, breaking down in tears on the bench.
Fluminense makes progress on Braida, the full-back also wanted by Independiente
Malcom Braida is one of the San Lorenzo players who could leave in this transfer window. Alongside the well-known interest from Independiente, there is now interest from Fluminense, and there is also a team from Mexico, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly looking to sign the right-back.
The 27-year-old has a release clause of two million dollars, but sources close to the negotiations have indicated that the deal could be closed for 1.7 million dollars for 70% of his rights (which belong to San Lorenzo). The remaining 30% is owned by Instituto, the club where he began his career.
Reports from Brazil suggest that Fluminense would also take care of a debt that San Lorenzo owes to Braida, which could speed up the process. On San Lorenzo’s side, the money would help the club face various financial commitments amid a difficult economic situation.
Zaracho will return to Racing: contract details
Racing is on the verge of finalizing its first signing of this transfer window. And it’s not just any signing. Matías Zaracho, who came through the club’s youth ranks and had a successful stint there, is set to return to wear the Racing jersey. Atlético Mineiro has agreed to sell 50% of his rights, and Racing will now own 100% of the player.
It seems that talks with Diego Milito have borne fruit, and the player’s family has given their approval. The decision depended on the well-being of his family and the position of the Brazilian club. Although Cuca, the new manager of Atlético Mineiro (who replaced Gabriel Milito), wanted to keep Zaracho for the 2025 season, the insistence from Racing was stronger.
Once the player gave a firm “yes” and expressed his desire to return, Racing secured their first signing of the window. A versatile midfielder of quality, Zaracho is expected to contribute to the team and easily integrate with his teammates to form a competitive squad for the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Zaracho will sign a long-term contract, and Racing will fully own his rights after Atlético Mineiro sells their 50%.
In addition, the club aims to sign a full-back and another forward. Recently, rumors circulated that Racing might join the race for James Rodríguez, a move that would be a top-tier signing and would crush Banfield’s hopes of bringing the Colombian back to the South.
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