Gustavo Puerta shining for Colombia as Racing promotion star attracts LaLiga attention | OneFootball

Gustavo Puerta used Colombia's World Cup opener to confirm his rise, delivering a composed display at 22.

Preferred by Néstor Lorenzo to Richard Ríos, the Racing de Santander midfielder set up Luis Díaz for the 1-2 on 65 minutes against Uzbekistan.

Off the back of Racing's promotion, interest in LaLiga has grown, including Sevilla. Fussball Transfers reports that Betis are among the suitors, alongside Villarreal, Porto, Lazio and Bologna.

Racing are pointing suitors to his release clause and want to keep him for another year, so any exit looks difficult unless the clause is triggered.

The Cantabrians signed him last summer from Bayer Leverkusen for 3.5 million euros, set a 16 million clause and a deal through June 2029.

Leverkusen had recruited him in January 2023 under Xabi Alonso, then loans to Nürnberg and Hull City followed, with Hull's financial issues blocking a permanent move. Puerta can operate as a pivot or interior, progressing play, beating pressure and contributing defensively.

His profile has earned him a growing role in an ambitious Colombia alongside James Rodríguez and the threat of Díaz. For Racing in Segunda he logged 2669 minutes across 32 matches, 30 starts, with three goals and one assist.

All indications are that LaLiga will see him in Racing colours after the tournament, with the club intent on keeping a key player on their top-flight return after 14 years.

Source: Superdeporte