Atlético Nacional Gears Up for a Busy 2025: Squad Overhaul and New reinforcements
Fresh off thier triumphant victories in the Atlético Nacional is already laying the groundwork for an ambitious 2025. The Medellín-based club, one of Colombia’s most storied teams, is preparing to compete on three fronts: the Betplay League, the Betplay Cup, and the prestigious Joan Castro, a player who has proven his adaptability by also excelling as a central defender and midfielder.
Though,not all news revolves around arrivals. The club has confirmed the departures of young talents Emilio Aristizábal and Yeicar Perlaza. Aristizábal, a forward, will join Fortaleza on a one-year loan with a purchase option, while Perlaza, a right winger, will head to Santa fe under similar terms.
Another notable exit is Uruguayan midfielder Pablo ceppelini, whose contract was not renewed.Ceppelini, who scored three goals and provided seven assists during his second stint with nacional, is now a free agent.
Meanwhile, left-back Samuel Velásquez is reportedly set to join Deportes Tolima. according to journalist Pilar Velásquez, the deal is nearly finalized, with Velásquez expected to travel to Ibagué soon to complete the move.
On the retention front, the renewal of Álvaro Angulo remains unresolved. The 27-year-old Tumaco native has attracted interest from Argentine club Independiente de Avellaneda. Should Angulo depart, Nacional is reportedly eyeing Uruguayan defender camilo Cándido as his replacement.In terms of reinforcements, ecuadorian winger Billy Arce is poised to become the club’s first signing for 2025. The 26-year-old, who previously played for Once Caldas and Deportivo Pasto, is currently in Medellín undergoing medical exams.
Another potential addition is Fáber Gil, who is reportedly set to join Nacional on an 18-month loan with a purchase option. The midfielder, who has previously played for Atlético Huila and Deportivo Pereira, was previously scouted by Nacional in mid-2024, but negotiations fell through at the time.
Key Squad Updates at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Player | Status | Details |
|————————|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Joan Castro | renewed | Versatile right-back, also plays as central defender and midfielder. |
| Emilio Aristizábal | Loaned to Fortaleza | One-year loan with a purchase option. |
| Yeicar Perlaza | Loaned to Santa fe | One-year loan with a purchase option. |
| Pablo Ceppelini | Contract not renewed | Free agent after contributing 3 goals and 7 assists in 2024. |
| Samuel Velásquez | Joining Deportes Tolima | Deal nearly finalized, pending contractual details. |
| Álvaro Angulo | Renewal pending | Interest from independiente de Avellaneda; potential replacement identified.|
| Billy Arce | Expected signing | Ecuadorian winger undergoing medical exams. |
| Fáber Gil | Loan agreement in place | 18-month loan with a purchase option from Deportivo Pereira. |
As Atlético Nacional prepares for a packed schedule,the club’s strategic moves in the transfer market will be crucial to maintaining their dominance in Colombian football and making a mark on the continental stage. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the “King of Cups” aims to add more silverware to their illustrious history.
Atlético Nacional’s Squad Overhaul: Expert Insights on New Reinforcements adn Key Departures
as Atlético Nacional prepares for a demanding 2025 season, the club is making strategic moves in the transfer market to strengthen its squad. Fresh off their victories in the Betplay League and Cup, the Medellín-based team is gearing up for a packed schedule that includes the Betplay League, Betplay Cup, Conmebol Libertadores, and the Superliga. To shed light on these developments, we sat down with Carlos Márquez, a renowned football analyst and expert on Colombian football, to discuss the club’s recent squad changes and what they mean for the upcoming season.
Renewals and Retentions: Building a Strong Core
Senior Editor: Carlos, let’s start with the renewals.Joan castro has been a key player for Nacional, and his versatility is highly valued. What does his renewal mean for the team?
Carlos Márquez: Joan Castro’s renewal is a significant move for Nacional. His ability to play multiple positions—right-back, central defender, and even midfield—gives the team tactical versatility. In a season where they’ll be competing on multiple fronts, having a player like Castro who can adapt to different roles is invaluable. It also shows the club’s commitment to retaining players who understand the system and can deliver consistent performances.
Senior Editor: What about Álvaro Angulo? His renewal is still pending, and there’s interest from Independiente de Avellaneda. How crucial is it for Nacional to keep him?
Carlos Márquez: Angulo is another vital piece of the puzzle. He’s been a reliable presence in defense, and his experience is crucial, especially in high-stakes matches like the Libertadores. Losing him would be a blow, but Nacional seems to have a plan in place. they’ve reportedly identified a potential replacement, which shows they’re prepared for all scenarios. Though, retaining Angulo would provide stability and continuity, which are essential for a team with such high ambitions.
Departures: balancing the Squad
Senior Editor: Let’s talk about the departures. emilio Aristizábal and Yeicar perlaza have been loaned out, while Pablo Ceppelini’s contract wasn’t renewed. How do these moves impact the squad?
Carlos Márquez: These decisions reflect Nacional’s strategy to balance the squad and give young players more playing time. aristizábal and Perlaza are talented, but they need regular minutes to develop, which they might not get at Nacional given the competition for places. Loaning them out with purchase options is a smart move—it allows them to grow while keeping the door open for a return if they excel. As for Ceppelini, his departure is a bit more surprising given his contributions last season, but it seems the club is looking to refresh the midfield with new talent.
Senior Editor: Samuel Velásquez is reportedly joining Deportes Tolima. What’s your take on this move?
Carlos Márquez: Velásquez is a solid left-back, but with Nacional’s depth in that position, it makes sense to let him go. The reported deal with Tolima seems mutually beneficial—Velásquez gets more playing time, and Nacional can focus on integrating new signings or promoting younger players. It’s a pragmatic decision that aligns with the club’s broader strategy.
New Reinforcements: Strengthening for the Challenges Ahead
Senior Editor: Nacional is reportedly close to signing Billy arce and Fáber Gil.What can these players bring to the team?
Carlos Márquez: Billy Arce is an exciting prospect. As an Ecuadorian winger, he brings pace, creativity, and a knack for scoring goals. If he passes his medical exams, he could add a new dimension to nacional’s attack. Fáber Gil, on the other hand, is a midfielder with experience in Colombian football, having played for Atlético Huila and Deportivo Pereira. His versatility and work rate make him a valuable addition, especially in a packed schedule where squad depth will be crucial.
Senior Editor: How do these signings fit into Nacional’s overall strategy for 2025?
Carlos Márquez: These signings show that Nacional is focused on building a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Arce adds flair and attacking options, while Gil provides stability and depth in midfield. Combined with the renewals and strategic departures, these moves indicate a well-thought-out plan to ensure the team remains competitive both domestically and internationally.
looking Ahead: Can Nacional Maintain Their Dominance?
senior Editor: Carlos, what’s your overall assessment of Nacional’s preparations for 2025? Can they maintain their dominance in Colombian football and make an impact in the Libertadores?
Carlos Márquez: Nacional is taking all the right steps to ensure they remain a force to be reckoned with. The squad overhaul, combined with strategic signings and departures, shows a clear vision for the future. However, the real test will be how quickly the new players adapt and how well the team manages the demands of a packed schedule. If they can strike the right balance, there’s no reason why they can’t continue their dominance in Colombia and make a deep run in the Libertadores. Fans have every reason to be optimistic.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Carlos, for your insights. It’s clear that Nacional is leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season.
Carlos Márquez: my pleasure. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the intricacies of Colombian football, especially when it involves a club as storied as Atlético Nacional.
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