# Junior Barranquilla coaching search and restructuring

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/junior-barranquilla-club-restructuring
> Updated: 2026-11-05T20:44:08.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Junior Barranquilla is undergoing organizational changes in preparation for the 2027 season and the Copa Libertadores. In October 2026, the club expressed interest in signing Colombian defender Carlos Cuesta, who is currently on loan at Vasco da Gama from Galatasaray.

Following poor results, including eliminations from the Liga BetPlay 2026-II, the Copa Colombia, and the Copa Libertadores, the club board has reportedly been divided on whether to maintain the current process or seek a change. 

As of early November 2026, negotiations for a new head coach are in an advanced stage. While Gustavo Costas was initially linked to the position, reports indicate the club has moved toward Uruguayan coach Jorge Bava. Bava, who is currently unattached following his tenure at Nacional, has previous experience in Colombian football, having led Independiente Santa Fe to a league title in 2025. Other names mentioned in the selection process include Sebastián Viera, while Arturo Reyes is also being considered for a sporting manager role.

## Claims

- Gustavo Costas was considered a candidate for the Junior de Barranquilla managerial position. (reported by 2 sources)
- Junior de Barranquilla is planning its sporting project for the 2027 season. (reported by 2 sources)
- Gustavo Costas has a contract with Cerro Porteño until the end of December 2026. (reported by 1 source)
- Carlos Antonio Vélez stated that Junior de Barranquilla has decided on a new coach and ruled out Gustavo Costas. (reported by 1 source)
- The selected manager is a foreigner currently without a team with experience in Colombian football. (reported by 1 source)
- Jorge Bava is a potential candidate for the Junior de Barranquilla coaching role. (reported by 1 source)
- Jorge Bava led Independiente Santa Fe to the Liga BetPlay 2025-I title. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-05: Junior de Barranquilla considers Jorge Bava for coaching role

Junior de Barranquilla is nearing a decision on a new manager, with Uruguayan Jorge Bava reportedly the frontrunner following the club's recent eliminations from major tournaments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/junior-de-barranquilla-considers-jorge-bava-for-coaching-role

### 2026-11-03: Junior de Barranquilla nears agreement with new manager for 2027

Junior de Barranquilla is reportedly nearing a deal with a new foreign manager for its 2027 project, potentially selecting Jorge Bava over candidate Gustavo Costas.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/junior-de-barranquilla-nears-agreement-with-new-manager-for-2027

### 2026-10-20: Junior Barranquilla interested in Vasco defender Carlos Cuesta

Junior Barranquilla is monitoring Vasco da Gama defender Carlos Cuesta as his loan with the Brazilian club nears its end.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/junior-barranquilla-interested-in-vasco-defender-carlos-cuesta

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Cite as: Junior Barranquilla coaching search and restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/junior-barranquilla-club-restructuring