Universidad de Chile officially announced the return of forward Eduardo Vargas, known as Turboman, after 15 years away. The announcement was made at 17:11 on Saturday, marking the first reinforcement for the 2026 season under Francisco Meneghini. Vargas will join preseason on Monday, January 5.
Eduardo Vargas' return to Universidad de Chile came after months of negotiations and two previous failed attempts, including one in mid-2025. The 36-year-old from Renca returns to the club where he shone in 2010 and 2011, securing the national tournament bicampeonato and the historic Copa Sudamericana, where he was top scorer with 11 goals in 79 matches and 31 goals overall.
Vargas, Chile's second-top national team scorer with 45 goals in 120 appearances, has had an extensive international career: he debuted with Cobreloa in 2006, then played for Napoli (2011-13), Valencia (2013-14), Queens Park Rangers (2014-15), Hoffenheim (2015-17), Tigres (2017-20), Gremio (2013), Atlético Mineiro (2020-24), and Nacional de Uruguay (2025). After a brief stint with Audax Italiano in 2025, scoring five goals in 15 games, he became a free agent and signed with U to replace departing Lucas Di Yorio, Rodrigo Contreras, and Nicolás Guerra.
The club shared videos of his arrival at Centro Deportivo Azul and silhouette photos, ending with the post '17:11. The promised gift', referencing Terminator, and the welcome: 'Welcome home, Eduardo Jesús Vargas Rojas'. The official statement highlights his experience and legacy: 'The multi-champion forward with U joins our First Team to bring all his experience, class, and scoring ability'. He will be the first signing in the Meneghini era, who starts preseason with juveniles and Díaz, incorporating Vargas on Monday.
