Colón youngster could be a free agent by year’s end | OneFootball

Colón is going through a key moment regarding contracts with several promising young players on the squad, and the case generating the most concern is that of Conrado Ibarra, one of the prospects to emerge from the Sabalero youth academy. The left-sided full-back/midfielder, who burst onto the First Team scene with strength and showed the potential to develop into one of the club’s top talents, could become a free agent on December 31, as the club’s management has yet to make progress on renewing his contract.

Ibarra, who since this Monday has been training under the supervision of Ezequiel Medrán at the June 4 Training Complex along with a group of youth players, started the year as a starter in the Primera Nacional Tournament. However, a series of injuries prevented him from maintaining continuity, which affected his prominence throughout the season.

Limited minutes despite a good start

The midfielder played 545 minutes during the championship, in addition to playing the full 90 minutes against San Martín de Tucumán in the Copa Argentina, a match that ended 0-0 and resulted in elimination on penalties. His performances had generated high expectations, but physical problems sidelined him during the decisive stretch.

While other young players were “shielded” with early contract renewals, as part of the club’s policy to protect its footballing assets, Ibarra’s situation remains unresolved, which opens up a risky scenario in the face of potential external interest.

He’s not the only case

Conrado’s case is not an isolated one. Other players who began preseason training this Monday could also become free agents on December 31 if there is no progress in the coming days: Nazareno Luque, Gastón Galván, Máximo Johnston, and Facundo Contreras.

They are all part of the young group training under Medrán’s supervision, while the official announcement of the next First Team coaching staff is awaited.

A leadership dilemma before the elections

The lack of decisions comes at a delicate time, as Colón is just days away from electing new authorities. The new board that takes office will have to urgently decide what to do with these contracts, especially Ibarra, considered a “gem” of the club, whose case could become a problem if he leaves for free without financial compensation.

Conrado Ibarra’s story reflects a scenario that is causing internal concern: a homegrown talent, who debuted with promise but is now close to leaving for free without Colón receiving any benefit. The decision is in the hands of the management. The clock is ticking and, if action is not taken quickly, the Sabalero could lose another valuable asset just when it most needs to protect its footballing heritage.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.