Atlético Nacional pursues signings of Jesús Rivas and Duván Vergara

Colombia’s Atlético Nacional has formalised a loan‑with‑purchase‑option bid for Junior midfielder Jesús Rivas. The club offered a high fee and personal terms already accepted by the player. Rivas, who made 27 appearances (1,680 minutes) this season with two assists, is seen as a defensive midfield reinforcement after Nacional’s recent league‑final loss and failure to reach the Copa Sudamericana group stage. Several other clubs – Millonarios, Deportes Tolima and Brazil’s Ceará – have also shown interest.

At the same time, Nacional continues negotiations for Argentine forward Duván Vergara, who is under contract with Racing Club for another two‑and‑a‑half years. Vergara has struggled for playing time in Argentina, and Nacional’s proposal emphasizes a starting role and financially attractive terms. The club’s new technical staff, led by Víctor Hugo Marulanda, views both acquisitions as key to rebuilding the squad for the second half of 2026.