Another Diablito?: How is the situation for Santi López, the jewel of Independiente who also did not renew his contract

After the explosive statements of Diablito Echeverri after River’s victory against Rosario Central for the Champions Trophy and the versions that bring it closer to Manchester City, Another of the young players who could leave Argentine football earlier than expected is Santiago López Grobin, Just 17 years old footballer emerged from the lower divisions of Independiente. And there is concern on the red side of Avellaneda.

The promising young player, fresh from an excellent performance with the Argentine national team at the Under-17 World Cup, has a contract with Rojo until 31 December 2024. The managers have had some talks with those around him to sign the renewal and have given him an offer to prolong the bond. However, The efforts were unsuccessful and in recent days the dialogue between the parties was interrupted.

The skilled striker was born on February 9, 2006 in Nono, a small mountain town of 2,500 inhabitants located west of Córdoba. He started playing football at the age of four in the Unión club, and then tried his hand at Talleres and Belgrano. He was accepted into both, but chose to try Buenos Aires and In 2018 he took part in a test at Independiente. It also remained.

He is right-footed and usually plays the role of left winger, using a switched leg to try to hook inwards and finish on goal or assist a teammate, but he also sometimes plays as a ‘9’. He scored two goals in the World Cup in Indonesia, acting a second guitar behind the figures of Claudio Echeverri and Agustín Ruberto, and has already made his debut with the Primera del Rey de Copas.

He arrived at Independiente when he was 11 years old. Santiago Lechu Rodríguez, who worked as a coordinator of the Children’s League, watched some videos from when he played in a regional league in Mina Clavero and liked them. The boy was in Buenos Aires precisely because he intended to try with River and Estudiantes, until the opportunity for Rojo arose.

His performances in the lower divisions quickly caught the attention of those who know the ins and outs of Rojo and even some talent hunters. For this reason, when he turned 16 they signed his current contract, which expires in a year since by regulation it cannot be extended beyond the age of majority. And a release clause of 15 million dollars has been established.

After his participation in the South American, he was promoted by Ricardo Zielinski to the first team. “We want to gain years for him and not debut at 23” the Russian explained. “I have to improve physically. In Primera there are adults who clash with you and kill you.”evaluated the attacker.

He was a substitute for the first time on 27 May, when Independiente drew 1–1 with Lanús in the Libertadores de América for the 18th round of the Professional League, but did not come on. His debut only took place on 16 July in the 1-0 victory over Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero for the 25th matchday of the competition. He replaced Braian Martínez in injury time of the second half.

“We take care of Santi. Little by little we will give him minutes. First he had to do physical work to avoid suffering shocks. “He has evolved a lot in this respect,” Zielinski weighed in after that meeting at the Alfredo Terrera stadium.

Those were the only minutes he had added in the First Division so far. A month after that first one, Zielinski resigned as coach and his replacement, Carlos Tevez didn’t give him new chances. Although his good performances in the World Cup will certainly open the doors for his return.

In the first two matches of the World Cup he started and showed his qualities, especially in the first match against Senegal. His task surprised some Indonesian fans present at the Si Jalak Harupat stadium in Bandung, who shouted “Messi, Messi” every time Cordoban made contact with the ball.

“Scoring goals in a World Cup is something beautiful”López highlighted after the victory against Venezuela. And he appreciated the team’s progress throughout the tournament, even though they would finally be on the brink of glory with a penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the semi-final.