targets a new foreign scorer for 2026

U de Chile Makes Bold Move for Ecuadorian Striker Byron Palacios – Breaking News!

Santiago, Chile – In a rapidly developing story that’s sending ripples through Chilean football, Universidad de Chile (U de Chile) is making a serious play for Byron Palacios, a prolific Ecuadorian striker currently with Catholic University of Ecuador. This comes hot on the heels of officially securing veteran Eduardo Vargas, signaling an ambitious start to the 2026 season for the ‘Azul Azul’.

Turboman’s Return Just the Beginning: U de Chile’s Offensive Overhaul

The return of Chilean international Eduardo Vargas, affectionately known as ‘Turboman,’ was already a major coup for U de Chile. However, the club’s leadership isn’t stopping there. Sports management is actively seeking further reinforcements for head coach Francisco Meneghini’s squad. While names like Juan Martín Lucero and Octavio Rivero have been previously linked, Palacios has emerged as a compelling and, according to sources, prioritized target.

Who is Byron Palacios? A Deep Dive into the Ecuadorian Goalscorer

Byron Palacios, 30, has consistently proven his scoring prowess in Ecuadorian football, having previously played for El Nacional, Catholic University, University Technician, and Emelec. His recent performance with Catholic University has particularly caught the eye of U de Chile scouts. In 62 appearances, Palacios has netted an impressive 22 goals and provided 3 assists, showcasing a knack for finding the back of the net. This isn’t just about raw numbers; Palacios’s ability to lead the line and create opportunities makes him a valuable asset.

Negotiations Underway: The Financial Details and Player’s Desire

Renzo Luvecce, a respected Chilean sports journalist, reports that negotiations are actively progressing. “They offered it, coach Francisco Meneghini liked it and approved it, and the blues began the efforts to bring him,” Luvecce stated. Crucially, Palacios himself is reportedly eager to make the move. He has a contract with Catholic University until the end of 2026, meaning U de Chile will need to meet a reported transfer fee of around $600,000 to secure his services. This demonstrates the club’s commitment to strengthening their attack.

Beyond the Scoreline: Palacios’s Impact and Copa Sudamericana Implications

Palacios was instrumental in Catholic University’s fourth-place finish in the 2025 LigaPro Ecuabet, earning them a spot in the preliminary phase of the Copa Sudamericana. Interestingly, U de Chile will also be competing in the Copa Sudamericana, facing Palestino. Adding a player with experience in this competition could prove invaluable. The Ecuadorian league, while often overlooked internationally, is known for producing technically gifted and physically robust players – qualities that would undoubtedly benefit U de Chile.

This move highlights a strategic shift for U de Chile, looking beyond traditional South American markets for talent. The club is clearly aiming to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for both domestic and continental honors. The speed with which they are pursuing Palacios underscores the urgency and ambition driving this transfer window. Keep a close watch on archyde.com for the latest updates on this developing story and all the breaking news from the world of football.

Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuous coverage of U de Chile’s transfer activity and in-depth analysis of the Chilean football scene. We’ll bring you the latest insights, player profiles, and expert opinions to keep you ahead of the game.