Juan Martín Lucero linked with move from Universidad de Chile to Independiente

Independiente of Argentina has entered the market for forward Juan Martín Lucero, a former Universidad de Chile player. The Argentine club asked the AFA for a deadline extension to keep negotiations open for three targets – Lucero, Nicolás Tripichio and José Palomino. Lucero, who thrived under Gustavo Quinteros at Colo Colo in 2022 with 24 goals in 39 matches, has struggled at Universidad de Chile, scoring only once in the 2026 season despite a high salary and a contract running to the end of 2027. Universidad de Chile coach Fernando Gago said, “Todos los jugadores los necesito,” and noted that no formal offer has been received. The interest remains speculative, with no official bid announced yet.