Colombian midfielder Jhojan Valencia, a key figure at Universidad Católica under Daniel Garnero, awaits a response from the club on his salary improvement proposal submitted over a month ago. While expressing affection for the team, he does not rule out offers from other clubs due to the lack of progress. His performance in the 2025 Primera Liga included seven assists in 28 matches.
Universidad Católica is preparing for the 2026 season, adding new players like Matías Palavecino and handling renewals to bolster the squad amid Daniel Garnero's demands and a packed tournament schedule. Among the pending cases is that of Jhojan Valencia, who raised his game after the coach's arrival and became a team mainstay.
The Colombian, formerly with Austin in the MLS, stated in an interview with TNT Sports that his stay is not assured. “We are waiting for the club to respond to the offer we made with my representative, but we still have no answer,” he said. He detailed that the proposal, sent over a month ago, seeks a salary improvement initially discussed if his performance proved strong, which it did per his view.
Valencia leaves room for departures: “If another offer comes, the club has to review it with my representative... Several clubs have approached.” Despite his emotional bond—“I grew very fond of the club, my teammates, the coach, all the fans”—he voiced frustration over the delay: “I can't stay somewhere that doesn't give me that place.” In the 2025 Primera Liga, he played 28 matches (25 starts), logged 2,041 minutes, scored no goals but provided seven assists, the last pivotal in qualifying for the Copa Libertadores via the win against La Calera.
