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Colombian forward Marino Hinestroza, 22, will be rejoining Columbus Crew
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- Colombian forward Marino Hinestroza, 22, will be rejoining Columbus Crew
Colombia n forward Marino Hinestroza will be joining the Crew for preseason training in California as soon as his visa issues are settled, a club spokesman confirmed.
The Crew acquired Hinestroza on transfer from CF Pachuca of Mexico 's Liga MX and in December 2023. At the time, the team highlighted his one-on-one ability and his room to develop. Hinestroza made 16 appearances (two starts) and scored two goals for the Crew before he was loaned to Atletico Nacional of Colombia's top league in July 2024.
Crew forward Marino Hinestroza has two years remaining on his Crew contract worth around $575,000 per.
Atletico's successful coach, Efrain Juarez, abruptly resigned Tuesday. According to a report by TUDN, a Spanish-language TV outlet, Juarez was upset about personnel decisions that were made without his input. The decision not to buy Hinestroza, 22, was among the sticking points, TUDN reported.
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Hinestroza was on a one-year loan to Atletico. A U-22 Initiative player who fills an international roster slot, he has two years remaining on his Crew contract worth around $575,000 per. The club has an option for 2027.
The Crew reportedly also have interest in another Colombian player, 20-year-old center back Malcom Palacios. Palacios, who has played 26 games for Independiente Medellin and Orsomarso of the Colombian league, would likely be a Crew 2 signing, if a transfer deal indeed gets done.
The Crew have been linked to Diego Valdes, 30, a high-profile, Chilian midfielder for Club America of Liga MX. Team sources said there is nothing to the rumors.
The Crew are training in Chula Vista, California, for 10 days. They are scheduled to return to Columbus Jan. 24. Their training shifts to Palm Beach from Feb. 2-15. Their MLS season opener is a home game against the Chicago Fire Feb. 22.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew bringing back U-22 Initiative forward Marino Hinestroza
