By DAN KARELL
Philadelphia Union defender Carlos Valdes could find himself playing in Argentina this spring.
Hoping to remain in the good graces of Colombia National Team Jose Pekerman, Valdes is nearing a six-month loan to defending Argentine champion San Lorenzo, according to multiple reports in Argentina and Colombia. The 28-year-old spent all of the 2013 calendar year with Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia, but the club decided to end their loan deal with the Union last month, leaving Valdes free to move elsewhere.
A spokesperson for the Union confirmed the news to SBI, but said “nothing is finalized.”
According to one report, all that’s missing for Valdes to become a San Lorenzo player is a document from Major League Soccer. Valdes reportedly flew from Colombia to Buenos Aires on Monday.
“The idea of the trip (to Buenos Aires) is to advance everything on the transfer, and then finish the agreement between the clubs,” Valdes told Olé before leaving Colombia. “(It) would be a six-month loan, or maybe full transfer.”
Valdes spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Union, emerging as one of the league’s best defenders. Valdes played 67 times in the regular season and playoffs for the Union, scoring three goals. The Union certainly could have used Valdes both last season and this coming season, especially after trading veteran Jeff Parke for up-and-coming centerback Ethan White.
San Lorenzo, the favorite team of the current Pope, Francis, were unexpected winners this past fall, out-lasting the likes of Boca Juniors, Newell’s Old Boys, and Lanus in the final weeks of the Torneo Inicial. Due to winning the title, San Lorenzo will be taking part in the Copa Libertadores this spring.
“With the Pope, it gained popularity,” Valdes said of San Lorenzo. “It is one of best (team’s) in Argentina, it is large and strives to be champion.”
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What do you think of this report? Do you expect Valdes to move on-loan to San Lorenzo? Do you think there’s any chance he returns to MLS?
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