After knocking out Unión, Independiente plans for second-half squad | OneFootball

As Independiente begins planning for the second half of the year, important decisions related to building the squad are already gaining momentum behind the scenes. After moving forward in the Copa Argentina and being eliminated from the Torneo Apertura by Rosario Central, coach Gustavo Quinteros made it clear that he wants to change several aspects of the team, with the defense emerging as one of his main concerns.

Although the partnership of Kevin Lomónaco and Sebastián Valdéz achieved a certain level of stability for much of the season, the coaching staff believes key qualities are still missing to compete at the highest level. That is why Independiente is already considering bringing in center-backs with a different footballing profile ahead of the next transfer window.

Within the club, they believe both defenders offer clean build-up play, speed, and technique, but Quinteros wants to add center-backs with greater physical strength, better aerial ability, and more aggression in marking. The intention is to build a much more solid defense to seriously challenge for titles.

Independiente fears losing Kevin Lomónaco in this transfer window

In addition to possible reinforcements, there is another major concern in Avellaneda: the future of Kevin Lomónaco. The defender has become one of the squad’s standout players, and several teams have started closely monitoring him in recent weeks.

In fact, people within Independiente already acknowledge that a departure during this transfer window is a very real possibility. The club’s leadership knows the center-back has international potential and is not ruling out receiving significant offers from abroad.

The situation creates even more urgency to strengthen the defense, especially because the coaching staff is also not fully satisfied with some of the current alternatives in the squad. One of the players under scrutiny is Nicolás Freire, who has failed to establish himself or create real competition in central defense.

Quinteros is preparing a major overhaul at Independiente

Beyond the defense, the coach wants a much more active transfer window than the previous one. Quinteros’ idea is to bring in players with specific characteristics to strengthen areas where he believes the team still has many shortcomings.

For now, no specific names have emerged, but at Independiente they are already working with the club’s leadership to define priorities and move quickly in negotiations over the coming weeks. The main objective will be to build a more competitive squad to challenge in the domestic league and remain a force in knockout competitions.

In addition, the club is also evaluating which players could leave in order to free up roster spots and balance the finances. The internal feeling is that Independiente needs a significant renewal if it truly wants to seriously compete for titles again in Argentine football.

Meanwhile, Quinteros continues to assess alternatives and prepare major changes within the team. Everything indicates that the defense will be one of the areas with the most movement in the upcoming transfer window.

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