OneFootball
·29 January 2026
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·29 January 2026
The signing of Cristian "Chicho" Arango by Atlético Nacional has become the most significant move in the Colombian market in 2026. Beyond the complexity that transfers from the MLS usually represent, this operation was made possible thanks to an unusual factor in modern football: a sense of belonging. The forward, a confessed fan of the Antioquian team, prioritized his dream of wearing the verdolaga jersey over lucrative offers from abroad.
For Arango's return to be financially viable, the player made a decisive choice: he accepted a salary reduction of over 50%. This gesture was the key that allowed Atlético Nacional to balance its accounts without risking the club's stability. According to recent reports, the striker first renewed his contract with the San Jose Earthquakes until 2027 to facilitate his one-year loan move, thus ensuring mutual benefit for all the institutions involved.
The arrival of "Chicho" is not solely driven by nostalgia. The forward arrives in full competitive form after an outstanding season in the United States, where he recorded 14 goals and 4 assists in 31 matches. His incorporation not only elevates the hierarchy of the offensive zone but also sends a message of total commitment to the fans. With Arango and Alfredo Morelos at the forefront of the attack, Sebastián Arango's team is shaping up as the leading candidate for the title in the local tournament.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
📸 Orlando Ramirez - 2025 Getty Images
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