Independiente on the hunt for a striker, Michael Santos on their radar | OneFootball

Independiente remains active in the transfer market and, just hours before the deadline, has focused on Michael Santos. The Uruguayan forward from Vélez is one of the options Gustavo Quinteros is considering to strengthen the attack and add a variant to Gabriel Ávalos, who started in the 1-1 draw against Estudiantes in the Torneo Apertura.

The search for a forward is due to the need to fill the spot left by Santiago Montiel and the coach's intention to have more options in the position. According to sources, Santos is to Quinteros' liking, although his contractual situation complicates the deal.

The 32-year-old forward is under contract with Vélez until the end of 2027 and earns a high salary, factors that currently represent the main hurdle for a potential move to Avellaneda. In the last season, Santos played 25 matches with the Fortín, totaling 925 minutes and scoring just one goal. In total, 43 matches, four goals, and two assists with the Vélez jersey. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Jhonder Cádiz was offered to Independiente. However, the negotiation seems distant, as Pachuca recently suffered the injury of Enner Valencia and has few offensive alternatives, which reduces the chances of parting with the forward.

The coaching staff's interest in another center forward is also explained by Quinteros' tactical considerations: Ignacio Pussetto, Matías Abaldo, Walter Mazzantti, Diego Tarzia, and Montiel himself are seen as wingers.

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