Franco Ratotti returns to Chile, set to play for Unión Española | OneFootball

Franco Ratotti will have a new opportunity in Chilean football. Unión agreed to a new loan move for the forward to Unión Española, a club he already played for in 2025, where he found regular playing time and a level of performance that sparked interest in bringing him back.

The deal was finalized for one season, free of charge, although it includes a purchase option for 50% of the striker’s rights, a clause that could represent financial income for El Tatengue if the player manages to establish himself.

For the Santa Fe club, the departure is also part of its sporting planning. Ratotti was not going to have a leading role in the squad managed by Leonardo Madelón and the loan will allow him to get minutes with a team where he already knows the environment.

Ratotti’s previous spell at Unión Española was one of the best moments of his recent career. In the 2025 Liga de Primera, he played ten matches and scored one goal, provided two assists, and showed a level that earned him a place in the coaching staff’s plans.

However, his next challenge was at Delfín of Ecuador, where the story was different. During the first half of 2026, he featured in just eight LigaPro matches, totaled 345 minutes, and was unable to score or assist.

With that scenario, both the player and Unión understood that the best option was to look for a new destination where he could regain a prominent role.

Now, the forward will have a second spell at Unión Española with the aim of once again showing the version of himself that left a good impression in Chilean football. Meanwhile, El Tatengue will closely monitor his performances, hoping that a strong season could translate into a future sale.

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