Santos formalized a proposal to Independiente, from Argentina, to sign the 25-year-old Chilean midfielder Felipe Loyola. The offer is around 6 million dollars, equivalent to around R$33 million, for 80% of the player’s economic rights. Payment would be made in installments, depending on acceptance by the Argentine club. Essa movement occurs amidst the planning of Peixe to reinforce the squad for the 2026 season.
Independiente analyzes the proposal carefully, demanding clear financial guarantees before moving forward with negotiations. The Argentine club holds 50% of the rights to Loyola, which makes the negotiation more complex, also involving Huachipato, from Chile, which owns the other half.
This is not the first approach to Santos by the player, who had already been monitored in the mid-2025 window, without success at the time.
⚠️ Santos makes a proposal of 6 million dollars (R$ 33 million) for midfielder Felipe Loyola, Independiente and Seleção Chilena.
— Planeta from Futebol 🌎 (@futebol_info)December 22, 2025
The offer is for 80% of the player’s rights. Caso Argentines accept the offer, payment must be made in installments.
Independiente wants assurances that…pic.twitter.com/ibuXwdifQ5
Trajectory of Felipe Loyola
Felipe Posteriormente, transferred to Huachipato, a club for which he won the Campeonato Chileno in 2023 and gained national recognition.
- Passage through Fernández Vial with regular performances.
- National title with Huachipato in 2023.
- Transfer to Independiente in mid-2024.
In 2024, Loyola reached Independiente and quickly established himself as a starter. Pelo Argentine club, has accumulated more than 60 matches, with 11 goals scored and seven assists distributed.
Performance on Independiente
Loyola plays mainly as a midfielder, but demonstrates versatility by also playing as a right-back or central midfielder. Sua ability to contribute offensively draws attention, with impressive numbers in goals and decisive passes.
In the 2025 season, the Chilean played 42 games for Independiente, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. Essa regularity made him a fundamental player in the Argentine team’s tactical scheme.
Furthermore, Loyola faced physical challenges, such as recovering from minor injuries, but maintained a high level of performance throughout the year. Sua intensity on the field and technical leadership contribute to the balance of the Independiente midfield.
The player also participated in South American competitions, gaining international experience that attracts attention from bigger clubs.
Presence in the Chilean national team
Felipe Loyola has been part of the Chile main team since 2023, accumulating 16 call-ups. Ele participated in games from the Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas to the Copa of the Mundo in 2026, including facing the Seleção Brasileira.
In these matches, Loyola demonstrated defensive solidity and ability to distribute the ball, characteristics valued in recent squads. Sua starting in some matches reinforces the promising status in Chilean football.
The midfielder scored a goal for the national team and established himself as a reliable option for the La Roja coach.
Financial situation of Santos
Santos adopts a cautious stance on the market due to recent budget constraints. The board avoids expressions of excessive optimism about the negotiation with Loyola, prioritizing financial viability.
For 2026, the club has already secured internal reinforcements, such as the definitive purchases of Zé Ivaldo and Álvaro Barreal. Essas acquisitions strengthen defense and attack without large immediate expenditures.
The top priority remains on renewing Neymar’s contract, whose current contract ends on December 31, 2025. Executivos of Peixe are working to extend the star’s contract.
Competition in the market
Other Brazilian clubs express interest in Loyola, including Fluminense, which monitors the Chilean’s situation. Times from abroad also entered the competition, increasing the competitiveness for hiring.
This competition may influence Independiente to demand more guarantees or additional amounts. Santos, in turn, seeks to take advantage of previous relationships with Argentine clubs to facilitate agreements.
- Confirmed interest from Fluminense.
- Foreign clubs in contention.
- Possible increase in values due to competition.
The versatility of Loyola represents extra attractiveness, allowing use in multiple positions in midfield.
Details of the Santos proposal
The formal offer sent by Santos provides for the payment of 6 million dollars in installments. Essa structure aims to adapt the operation to the Brazilian club’s cash limitations.
Independiente makes progress conditional on the presentation of concrete proof of payment. Jornalistas Argentines are closely following the negotiations, indicating that the outcome is close if the demands are met.
The renewed interest in the player reflects strategic planning to compose a competitive squad in 2026.
Recent numbers of Loyola
Felipe Loyola stands out for his direct participation in goals, adding 18 contributions (goals and assists) since arriving at Independiente. Sua average number of games per season exceeds 40 matches, demonstrating physical resistance.
For the Chilean national team, the midfielder accumulated significant minutes in the Eliminatórias, contributing to the Chile campaign.
These data reinforce the player’s potential to perform at a high level in Brazilian football.
Santos awaits definitive positioning of Independiente in the coming weeks, while continuing with other market assessments.
