The negotiation for Marino Hinestrozaa 23-year-old Colombian forward, took an unexpected turn in the South American transfer market. Although Boca Juniors seemed to have his incorporation on track as the first reinforcement for the 2026 season, the emergence of Santos of Brazil, backed by the influence of Neymarreconfigured the scenario and threatens to frustrate the plans of the Argentine club.
In the last hours, from Brazil, the media O’Globo confirmed that Santos, which will compete in the Copa Sudamericana in 2026 and seeks to leave behind its recent fight for relegation, has put Hinestroza among its priorities to strengthen the squad. The sale of Guilherme to the Houston Dynamo of the United States opened an offensive vacancy in the São Paulo team, which now points to the Colombian winger as one of its main options, although it is also evaluating alternatives such as Vitinho and Antony Alves.
The operation for Hinestroza has been marked by the aggressiveness of Santos in the market. The club has not only presented an offer for the forward, but has also begun negotiations for Felipe Loyola, Independiente’s full-back, in a sample of its strategy to strengthen the squad for the Brasileirao 2026 and the World Cup that year, a project in which Neymar actively participates in the strategic assembly.
To all this, Sebastian Arangopresident of National Athleticin dialogue with the journalist Wbeimar Muñoz, confirmed this information. “We have not closed the business yet, but there are advanced conversations with some teams, including Boca.”
Meanwhile, in Boca Juniorsthe leadership headed by Juan Roman Riquelme maintains confidence in closing the negotiation. An emissary from the Argentine club is in Colombia to unblock differences with National AthleticHinestroza’s home club. The agreement with the footballer has already been reached and only details remain between the institutions, with a figure close to USD 5 million as possible transfer amount.
The expectation in the xeneize environment was reinforced by the statements of Jorman Campuzanoformer Boca player and Hinestroza’s teammate at Atlético Nacional, who during the celebrations for the Copa Colombia title stated: “I send you to those from Boca for Argentina, take care of it, it’s good”. Furthermore, Hinestroza himself publicly said goodbye to the Colombian club after the consecration: “This love story could not end any other way than with a title. I will always carry you in my heart, dear Green”he published on his Instagram account, after winning the 2024 League, the Colombia Cup 2024 and 2025, and the Super League.
Regarding sports performance, Hinestroza competed 56 parties with Atlético Nacional on his return from the Columbus Crew of the United States, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists. In addition, he accumulated five yellow cards and one expulsion in 4,371 minutes on court.
The definition of Marino Hinestroza’s future remains open, with Boca Juniors and Santos as the two possible destinations for the Colombian forward, whose final decision is expected in the coming days.
