Santiago Mele Signs Contract with Independiente: His Arrival and the Future of the Rojo's Market

By: rootdata|2026/07/29 00:12:00

The transfer market for Independiente is still ongoing as they continue to seek reinforcements for certain positions that the coach wants to strengthen. This Tuesday, Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Mele signed his contract at Villa Domínico and joins the team on a one-year loan from Rayados de Monterrey.

"I am very happy to have arrived at this club. I am very excited. I spoke with Gustavo (Quinteros, the coach of the Rojo), and he expressed his interest in having me on the team. For such a big club and a coach with Gustavo's experience to want you on the team is something I value a lot. I am very happy that the opportunity to be here has come true; it was my wish," Mele declared upon arriving in the country.

The Uruguayan had everything agreed with Colo Colo to join the Chilean squad, but Quinteros' call may have changed his course. He signed for 12 months with an option to buy to increase competition with Rodrigo Rey, the 35-year-old goalkeeper who has a contract until December of this year and has not yet negotiated his renewal.

"Rodrigo is an excellent goalkeeper. I already know him from facing him during his time at Gimnasia. I am eager to contribute, to have a good day-to-day, and to compete, which is always good for the team," commented the Uruguayan.

Mele had a stint in Argentine football, defending the goal of Unión de Santa Fe in 58 matches between 2022 and mid-2023 before moving to Mexico. He emerged from Fénix de Uruguay and also played for Plaza Colonia in his country, clubs in Turkey, and Junior in Colombia.

Additionally, in this World Cup, the 29-year-old goalkeeper was one of the players called up by Marcelo Bielsa for the Uruguayan National Team, although he did not play any minutes. Fernando Muslera, who faced Independiente last Sunday, was the undisputed starter until the last match, where he was replaced at halftime by Sergio Rochet.

"I take it easy, trying to take advantage of and enjoy being in a club like this. The future will tell, but first I want to enjoy, work, and contribute from wherever I can," added Mele regarding the possibility of a future purchase by the Avellaneda team.

Mele Wants to Join a List of Historic Uruguayans at Independiente

Carlos Goyén, champion of the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup in 1984, and Martín Campaña, champion of the Copa Sudamericana 2027, are two Uruguayans who defended the goal of the Rojo and are part of the club's history. Additionally, defender Ricardo Pavoni, an absolute legend of Independiente with five Libertadores and two Intercontinentals, was also Uruguayan.

"It is exciting and fills me with pride that there have been such good Uruguayan representatives here, and I am eager to join that list," said Mele.

How the Transfer Market Continues for Independiente

The management of Independiente continues to seek the alternatives that coach Gustavo Quinteros wants to face the Clausura Tournament and the Argentine Cup. After the victory against Estudiantes in the first match, the coach was clear about what he needs: "A midfielder with different characteristics, a central defender, and a right midfielder."

One of the options being negotiated from Avellaneda is Nicolás Tripichio, a midfielder from San Lorenzo, but the negotiation is complex. The Rojo will try to use the possible interest of Ciclón in Rodrigo Rey to establish a dialogue.

The other alternative is Giuliano Galoppo, who has lost ground at River and is training away from the squad. Independiente sent an offer to Millonario to incorporate the player on loan, but the Núñez club rejected it, and the conversations did not progress. However, from Avellaneda, they do not rule out trying again if conditions change.

Regarding the attempt to incorporate a defender, Independiente made a proposal for Mariano Gómez, a player from Ferencváros in Hungary, but the Europeans dismissed the offer. There is also interest in Lucas Carrizo from Huracán, but he is closer to closing with Argentinos Juniors.

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