Maestro Puch Loaned to San Martín SJ After Falling Out of Favor at Independiente

Ignacio Maestro Puch will continue his career at San Martín de San Juan on an 18-month loan, TyC Sports reported. The 22-year-old striker leaves Independiente after falling down the pecking order under manager Julio Vaccari. The deal includes no fee or purchase option, though Independiente reserved recall clauses for December and mid-2026.

Recent arrivals of Walter Mazzantti and Ignacio Pussetto intensified competition for forward spots, prompting the club to send Puch out to gain playing time. Once considered a major prospect, the Tucumán native was signed permanently from Atlético Tucumán in January for $800,000 but struggled to establish himself. He made just 11 appearances and scored once in the last semester.

Independiente still believes in the player's potential and hopes he will find consistency in San Juan. His contract with the club runs until the end of 2028.

Another player likely to leave is Matías Giménez Rojas. After recovering from a serious knee injury, the forward is being courted by Argentinos Juniors for a one-season loan move.