Training day at Casas Unión: fitness work and exits loom | OneFootball

News from the world of Unión. The workday at the Casas Unión training ground has ended—specifically, the third training session of this 2026 preseason, with an eye on the second half of the year, under the leadership of ‘Leo’ Madelón and his entire coaching staff.

Main updates: Mateo Del Blanco was once again present after being absent yesterday, as we reported exclusively. What we were able to confirm in the last few hours—and the reason the player was back today at Casas Unión—is that he missed yesterday’s session because he is handling legal matters, paperwork, and formalities so that, in principle, he can travel to France next week to finalize his move to football in that country. It is worth remembering that there are three teams in the race, although Racing Strasbourg appears to be leading the way to secure the services of the 22-year-old left-footer.

The truth is that Mateo was at the Casas Unión training ground today, training separately, just like Rafael Profini, as we reported yesterday. These are two situations that seem to be very, very advanced. That is why the club’s leadership, of course with the approval of the coaching staff, has decided to have them train separately in order to avoid any setbacks involving two departures that would be very important financially and also significant losses from a purely sporting standpoint. But these days, with Unión needing to raise cash and sell players, it is essential that these transfers go through. Internally, the possibility is being considered that both players could be traveling to Europe on Tuesday: Mateo to play in France and, as mentioned, Rafael Profini with the possibility—open for the past couple of weeks—of becoming a player for Metalist in the Ukrainian first division.

Everyone else trained completely normally, with some reserve-team youngsters joining in for certain drills before returning to work with Alejandro Trionfini’s team, and he spoke with us this morning.

And with this transfer window now open, there are a few updates: Boca signing Leandro Lozano, the right-back from Argentinos Juniors, at the very least cools the chances of Lautaro Vargas being an option for the Xeneize, because in principle Boca, with Lozano plus youngster Gorosito, would be covered in that position and would not go—or rather, would not come—looking for Lautaro Vargas. As for ‘Mayson’ Rodríguez to Independiente, there is still no major news for now. The other departure being finalized at this time is that of Diego Armando Díaz, who, as we had been reporting, will go on loan to Patronato de Paraná. Atlético Rafaela remained an option until the very last minute, but in principle the financial offer from the Entre Ríos club would lead Díaz to take his football to the other side of the Paraná coast and, naturally, become a reinforcement for Marcelo Candia’s team. In principle, it is for 6 months, although legally contracts are drawn up for a longer period; the loan itself is for 6 months. There is a real chance that Unión could bring the Chaco-born player back at the end of this season.

Training continues tomorrow, then Sunday off, and on Monday a new week of work begins for Unión’s first team in this 2026 preseason, which so far has brought no news regarding reinforcements. What can be learned unofficially about the positions Madelón wants to strengthen: a real chance of adding a striker following Díaz’s departure and at least one or two wide midfielders. It is worth remembering that Fragapane will not be part of the plans, so that is already one confirmed departure; added to Del Blanco, who was often the alternative in that area; and Palavecino himself, who is not staying in Santa Fe and also played in that role. So at least one, and ideally two wide players, is what Madelón wants to add, plus a striker, plus—of course—covering the positions of any starting players who are sold. If Profini leaves, a holding midfielder; if Del Blanco leaves, a left-back; if any of the center-backs leave, then cover that position too; and obviously, if Lautaro Vargas leaves, the same applies.

Things are starting to move in Unión’s transfer market while the team keeps working. Next week there may be news regarding the possibility of playing friendly matches at the end of July, the date marked on the calendar for the Tatengue side’s return to official competition at the start of the Clausura, where they will visit Platense.

So it will be a weekend with work on Saturday and Sunday off. Preparation resumes Monday at the Casas Unión training ground. ‘Leo’ Madelón’s team keeps working while waiting for news in the transfer market.

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