After the explosive statements of Diablito Echeverri after River's victory against Rosario Central for the Champions Trophy and the versions that bring him closer to Manchester City, another of the youth players who could leave Argentine football sooner than expected is Santiago López Grobin, a 17-year-old footballer who emerged from the lower divisions of Independiente. And there is concern on the red side of Avellaneda.
The young promise, who comes from having an outstanding performance with the Argentine National Team in the U-17 World Cup, has a contract with the Red until December 31, 2024. The leaders held some talks with his entourage to sign the renewal and made him an offer to extend the link. However, the negotiations did not prosper and in recent days the dialogue between the parties was cut off.
The skilful striker was born on February 9, 2006 in Nono, a small mountain town of 2,500 inhabitants located in the west of Cordoba. He began playing football at the age of four at the Unión club in that place and then tried out for Talleres and Belgrano. He was accepted in both, but opted to try in Buenos Aires and in 2018 he participated in a trial at Independiente. It also remained.
He is right-footed and usually plays as a left winger, with a changed leg to try to hook inside and shoot at goal or assist a teammate, but sometimes he also plays as a '9'. He scored two goals at the World Cup in Indonesia, functioning as a second guitar behind the figures of Claudio Echeverri and Agustín Ruberto, and has already made his debut with the First of the King of Cups.
Echeverri and López, two of the great promises of Argentine football. Photo: Matías Martin Campaya - Clarín.
He arrived at Independiente at the age of 11. Santiago Lechu Rodríguez, who served as coordinator of the Infantiles, watched some videos of when he played in a regional league in Mina Clavero and liked it. The boy was just in Buenos Aires because he was planning to try out for River and Estudiantes, until the opportunity of the Reds appeared.
His performances in the lower divisions quickly caught the attention of those who know the ins and outs of the Reds and also some talent scouts. That is why, when he turned 16, they signed his current contract, which expires in one year since by regulation it cannot be extended beyond his majority. And a $15 million buyout clause was put in place.
After his participation in the South American, he was promoted by Ricardo Zielinski to the first team. "We want to beat him years and not make his debut at 23," explained the Russian. "I have to improve physically. In the First Division there are big people who hit you and kill you," said the striker.
He went to the substitutes' bench for the first time on May 27, when Independiente drew 1-1 with Lanús in the Libertadores de América for the 18th round of the Liga Profesional, but did not enter. His debut came on July 16 in a 1-0 win over Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero on matchday 25 of the competition. He replaced Braian Martinez in stoppage time of the second half.
López made his debut at Independiente with Zielinski as coach.
"We take care of Santi. Little by little we're going to give him minutes. First he had to do some physical work to avoid the shocks. He evolved a lot in that aspect," said Zielinski after that match at the Alfredo Terrera Stadium.
Those were the only minutes that, so far, he scored in the First Division. A month after that debut, Zielinski resigned as coach and his replacement, Carlos Tevez, did not give him any new chances. Although his good performances at the World Cup will surely open doors for his return.
In the first two matches of the World Cup he started and showed his ability, especially in the first match against Senegal. His task surprised some of the Indonesian supporters at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, who shouted "Messi, Messi" every time the Cordovan made contact with the ball.
Argentina's fourth🇦🇷 is here! Santi López went one-on-one and did not waste his chance to increase the lead of Placente's team. Enjoy all the action LIVE on @TyCSports and https://t.co/6eSENGb6G0 here 👉 https://t.co/ls5tyJ6TRQ 📱📲 pic.twitter.com/xxKYcSs5qL
— TyC Sports Play (@TyCSportsPlay) November 17, 2023
"Scoring goals in a World Cup is a beautiful thing," Lopez said after the win over Venezuela. And he praised the team's progress throughout the tournament, although they would finally be on the verge of glory with that penalty shootout defeat against Germany in the semi-finals.