Metalist 1925 step up move for Profini, Unión weigh next steps | OneFootball

Del Blanco, Vargas, Maizon, Tarragona, Palacios and even Mansilla seemed to be the names of professional Unión squad players leading the race for a move away from Santa Fe through a transfer that would bring in millions for the cash-strapped coffers of the club on Avenida. In this context, since last week the name Rafael Profini has emerged strongly: the central midfielder, just 22 years old, who became a key piece for Madelón’s team this semester and has drawn concrete interest from European football.

Represented by none other than Cristian Bragarnik, Profini quickly gained ground as an option in an exotic destination that is also going through a very particular situation because of the war it is involved in. The reference is to Ukraine, with two teams playing in that country’s Premier League expressing their desire to sign the player developed at Centenario de San José de la Esquina.

Thus, in recent hours two concrete offers arrived at the offices on López y Planes 3535 to secure the services of the 1.84-meter footballer, who can play both in midfield and in central defense, offering physical presence in marking as well as the versatility to play out from the back and link up with teammates through short passing. These qualities quickly made him a key element in Leo’s team, taking over the spot left vacant in December by “Caramelo” Martínez and forming a very interesting central midfield partnership with Mauro Pittón.

So far in 2026, “Rafa” has featured in all 20 matches Unión have played between the Apertura and the Copa Argentina, scoring one goal against Gimnasia de Mendoza and providing several assists, including 3 in the same match in the win over Sarmiento at the Eva Perón. In total, since making his debut in 2024 under Kily González, Profini has made 45 appearances for Unión in the top flight, showing tremendous potential.

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