Santa Fe begins to strengthen its title defense: Yairo Moreno will be a Lion, pending exams.

Independiente Santa Fe is already thinking ahead to its competition in the second half of the season, where it will be the defending champion of its recently earned title, its tenth star in Colombian football. And to that end, the team is starting to move into the market. Pending examinations, Yairo Moreno will be its first reinforcement.

Yairo Moreno was at the club's offices this Thursday, agreeing on the terms of his contract with the team. Although a photo of him signing his contract is circulating on social media, the Cardinals assure that a few details are still needed before his signing becomes official and an announcement can be made. "He has to pass some tests. We're working on it," said president Eduardo Méndez on Thursday night.

Futbolred announced this Wednesday that the salary conditions and all the figures have been finalized.

Yairo is an experienced player who plays as a winger or left back. He is 30 years old and has played for La Equidad, Envigado, Medellín, León de México, where he won a championship, Pachuca, and Junior de Barranquilla. He also played for the Colombian national team. The coastal team was his last.

Eduardo Méndez , president of Santa Fe, spoke about reinforcements this Thursday in an interview with Despierta Win and admitted that they are looking for players requested by coach Jorge Bava, but he did not want to reveal names.

"We're going to bring in some players who will be useful for the Copa Libertadores, and we need to leave some space to look at some changes in December. We're looking for four or five players, we'll see. Today, everyone wants to come to Santa Fe, but they want to get paid, and it's expensive for the club," he said.

"We've been talking with the coach, and we know where some reinforcements are needed. We're working on it; we'll probably name them over the next week. We've sorted out the players who will be leaving, and the coach believes we should give them a chance to earn playing time elsewhere," he added.

Méndez addressed the issue of Hugo Rodallega after the striker's remarks, who indicated he was considering retiring, and made it clear that there was nothing to discuss with 'Hugol' because he has a signed contract.

"There's nothing to discuss with Rodallega. He knows what his commitment is because there's a signed commitment. He knows that while he's in office, he must continue to grow old by our side," he said.

In recent days, press reports indicated that Jarlan Barrera had approached Santa Fe to offer himself after his departure from Deportivo Cali, but the manager explained that he has not met with any reinforcements, although he did not rule out the left-footer.

Press reports indicate that one of the players in the mix and very close to signing is Uruguayan defender Joaquín Sosa.