💣Nacional’s plan to keep hold of Morelos | OneFootball

Atlético Nacional has set an absolute priority for its 2026 project: securing the permanence of Alfredo Morelos. The forward from Cereté, nicknamed the "Buffalo," was a vital piece in 2025, closing the year with 21 goals and the BetPlay Cup title. However, his continuity depends on a complex market engineering involving Santos from Brazil and the interests of Boca Juniors.

Hinestroza as a bargaining chip

The future of Morelos, whose rights belong to Santos until the end of 2026, could be tied to the departure of another "verdolaga" star: Marino Hinestroza. Although Boca Juniors has advanced negotiations for the winger, the Brazilian club has entered the scene seeking Hinestroza as a replacement for Guilherme.

This situation opens a strategic opportunity for Nacional. From Brazil, a cross movement is proposed: facilitating Hinestroza's arrival at Santos in exchange for the São Paulo club releasing or extending Morelos' loan in Medellín. For the "paisa" team, retaining their top scorer is essential to regain prominence in the BetPlay League and face international challenges next year.

An open negotiation board

Morelos' contract with Santos formally ends at the end of 2025 (according to reports in Brazil), which gives Nacional a more flexible negotiating position. It is not ruled out that the striker could completely disengage from the Brazilian team to sign as a free agent with the green club.

As the pieces fall into place, the Antioquian management works silently to prevent their offensive reference from heading to Brazil. The resolution of this "triangle" between Medellín, Santos, and Buenos Aires will define Nacional's offensive power for a season where the demand will be maximum.

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

📸 NELSON ALMEIDA - AFP or licensors