There are no leftover forwards in the colombian soccer. Good forwards, those who do not forgive, who have the nose and opportunism for the goal. That is a gift that does not come with everyone. In the midst of the decline of a prolific and successful generation of artillerymen, Radamel Falcao García, Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martínez, Teófilo Gutiérrez, Dayro Moreno, Hugo Rodallega and Adrián Ramosamong others, national football has been somewhat orphaned in that position.
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It is not that a net breaker is found under the stones. They don’t swarm. The recent emergence of samarium Luis Javier Suarez (Sporting Lisbon) with the Colombian national team shirt and the perseverance of the ‘Cucho’ Hernandez (Betis de Sevilla) in Spanish football, are the alternatives that offer hope for the 2026 World Cup. And the wayward John Jáder Duránfrom Türkiye’s Fenerbahce, if it definitely tempers.
The panorama in the League, at the moment, is no different. Rodallega and Teófilo, at 40 years old, still have a dose of football and goals to contribute and in 2025 they were crowned champions with Santa Fe and Junior, respectively. Dayro, another forty-year-old, broke it with Once Caldas in the League and in the Copa Sudamericana. Bacca, now 39, led the ‘Shark‘ to the 2023 title. Ramos, now 39, continues in America.
Not every day a person is born Ivan Rene Valencianothe top scorer in Junior history. That’s why those kinds of players have extended their careers so much. There are not multiple possibilities to hire and the best ones are outside the budgets.
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This being the case, that is why it has been so difficult for Junior to get reinforcement for his offense, just like in mid-2025, where he was also limited with the quota of foreigners.
The foreign market seems to offer a broader selection of cards, but with more uncertainties than certainties: Agustin Rodrigueza forward who already passed through Santa Fe without brilliance, has been one of the names that has been put on the table at the coach’s suggestion Alfredo Arias.
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The Argentine has also been in the media and social media rattle Lisandro Azulgaray (35 years old), the Uruguayan-Spanish Octavio Rivera (34), the Argentine Luciano Pons (35 years) and the Colombian Jason Medina (30).
None with the name and conditions of Luis Fernando Murielwho at 34 years old still has a lot of football to offer the team of his loves.
The Tomasino, who does not hide his desire to finally play in the squad that he carries in his heart and to which he belonged in its minor divisions, still has one year of contract with the Orlando Cityof the MLSwho wants his franchise player quota (a figure that is used in American soccer for four soccer players from each team who can be paid above the established limits).
Muriel joined the Floridian team in 2024, from Atalanta of Italy. In that first season he played 33 games in the main tournament, 14 as a starter, and scored five goals and seven assists.
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Last year his production increased and in 33 games, 25 as a first baseman, he scored nine goals and nine assists.
“Due to international experience and skills, the best alternative is Muriel. She has greater football ability than all the others (who have been mentioned). Because she would have no excuse for adaptation. Because she should have a greater feeling towards the team. Because she would have that responsibility with her people who would expect total dedication,” he said. Javier Castell Lópezcolumnist for THE HERALD.
“The only concern that could arise is if he comes to enjoy a good retirement in his environment and that disconnects him from professionalism. From a football perspective there is no doubt that Muriel is (the best option,” he added.
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“Luis Fernando Muriel can contribute a lot to Junior because he is a forward who knows how to play, with whom you can make a wall, he has a dribble, a shot, speed and a goal. He takes free kicks, takes penalties. He is effective, elegant to play, he has a dribble, with international experience with his teams and in the Colombian national team. The Copa Libertadores will not weigh him down,” he commented. Fabio Poveda RuizBlu Radio journalist.
“I think that’s the right striker, but I know he’s worth a lot of money. I wish it could happen, it would be a huge contribution for Junior,” he added.
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Is there any chance he makes the team for the 2026 season? There have been some approaches and conversations to know the feasibility of this signing, but it is not certain. The leadership remains silent about the arrangements being made at the club regarding the arrival and departure of players.
What is certain is that, beyond the costs, Luis Fernando Muriel is for a large part of the critics and the fans the best football option.
