Paraguayan defender Junior Barreto, 27, from Olimpia, is close to joining Colo Colo for the 2026 season. His agent, Fredy Soto, confirmed ongoing negotiations with the Chilean club, which aims to bolster its squad after several departures. The player is enthusiastic about the potential move.
Colo Colo is gearing up for the 2026 season without international participation, aiming to cut costs and build a leaner squad under coach Fernando Ortiz. Following the departure of players such as Mauricio Isla, Sebastián Vegas, Emiliano Amor, Óscar Opazo, Matías Moya, and Alexander Oroz, the club is pursuing new signings.
One potential addition is right-back Matías Fernández, whose arrival is expected to be confirmed soon. Negotiations are also progressing to bring in Junior Barreto, a defender from Olimpia who shone for his Paraguayan side. At 27, Barreto seeks to advance his career.
Fredy Soto, the player's agent, outlined the talks on the Fútbol a lo Grande program on Paraguay's Radio Monumental. “Today, the Colo Colo opportunity came up and we're working on it. The club is aware, and we'll see if it goes through,” he revealed. Soto has been coordinating with Olimpia's president to enable the move, potentially as a loan with an option to buy. “I spoke with Olimpia's president. I asked them to let him go this time, as there have always been offers but they never allowed it. Now, I think it could be a loan with option to purchase,” he anticipated.
Discussions are primarily between the clubs. “The Colo Colo deal is being handled with the club. I think they've talked between themselves. Today the news got stronger. I spoke with people in Chile. It's up to the club. If they arrange it between the clubs, the player has no issues; he wants to leave,” Soto noted. At 27, he views it as the right time for Barreto to venture abroad. “It's an age to try his luck. The player wants to go; it depends on the clubs sorting it out,” he added.
Soto expressed confidence: “Chile is the safest option, and it excites us because of the club. We know Colo Colo is a big club. The player would love to join.” On Friday, Blanco y Negro's board will meet to approve Fernández's signing and review the Barreto agreement, while assessing bids for Lucas Cepeda, Vicente Pizarro, and Alan Saldivia, and potential exits like Salomón Rodríguez's.
