Millonarios Strike Smart Deal, Sell Kevin Palacios for $1 Million While Keeping Future Stake

As reported by Antena 2, Millonarios made a shrewd move in the transfer market, selling rising star Kevin Palacios to Santos Laguna for $1 million while retaining 20% of his rights—a strategic bet on his future value. The Colombian winger, who recently extended his contract with the Bogotá club, now heads to Mexico with a long-term deal running until 2029.

At 25, Palacios stood out during the first half of 2025, scoring five goals in 13 appearances. His explosive performances drew the attention of Santos Laguna, who see him as a key piece in their rebuilding process after finishing last in the Clausura with just seven points from 17 matches.

Despite initially renewing him for three years, Millonarios capitalized on the market opportunity, transforming a short-term asset into a profitable deal. By keeping a stake in his rights, they position themselves to benefit from any future transfer.

Palacios, originally from Quibdó, had played for several Colombian clubs and a brief stint in Qatar before making his mark at Millonarios. With his skill and versatility, he’s expected to debut for Santos in the Apertura 2025 opener against Pumas, as the Torreón side aims to return to title contention—something they haven’t achieved since winning the Clausura in 2018.