While the majority of the players are already on vacation until January 3, the day they will meet again in Villa Domínico, Julio Vaccari and the Independiente leadership begin to polish the formation of the squad for 2025 in which the Avellaneda team will once again compete internationally thanks to the classification to the South American Cup. There are several aspects that must be defined at this time. Decisive moments.
One of the central issues is to resolve the cases of those whose contracts expire on December 31. Of them, it is already known that Julio Buffarini will not renew. Joaquín Laso would follow the same path, as would Damián Pérez. Only one has its continuity on track: Ivan Marcone. The midfielder expressed his desire to continue and the coach wants to keep him. After some talks, there is a consensus in the leadership to extend the contract for one more year, although with the caveat that the priority will be to bring another central midfielder to fight for his position.
At the same time, the loan of two names in the attack expires, which are Ignacio Maestro Puch (from Atlético Tucumán) and Alex Luna (Atlético de Rafaela). Both have a purchase option, but Rojo is seeking in both cases to renegotiate the transfer.
Of those who must return, who are several, Vaccari will look especially at the kid Rodrigo Atenciowho became champion of the Argentine Cup with Central Córdoba. The 22-year-old creative midfielder expressed his desire to have revenge in the Diablo and it is good for Independiente to add people to the development. Kevin Lopez (Defense and Justice), Agustín Quiroga (Platense), Tomás Rambert (Alvarado) and Patricio Ostachuk (Deportivo Maipú) are others who return although a new destination would be sought for them.
Along with the Primera squad, kids will start their first preseason: defenders Bautista González, Fernando Closter and Jonathan De Irastorza (he debuted with Vaccari), midfielders Mateo Pérez Cursi and Joel Medina and forwards Enzo Taborda and Alan Laprida.
A priori, the positions to be reinforced are: central defender, left-handed back, central midfielder, another creative player and a winger. El Rojo finally wants to take a leap in quality.