Racing Targets San Lorenzo's Jhohan Romaña to Bolster Defense Ahead of Libertadores Knockouts

With a spot in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 already secured, Racing Club is setting its sights on key reinforcements. As reported on Monday, the top target for manager Gustavo Costas is Jhohan Romaña, a standout centre-back currently playing for San Lorenzo.

The 26-year-old Colombian has made 64 appearances and scored once since joining the club in 2024, after a $750,000 transfer from Austin FC. While Romaña has become a defensive mainstay for the Ciclón, Racing may have an advantage: the strong relationship between the player and Costas, forged during their time together at Guaraní in Paraguay.

“Costas is like a footballing father to me,” Romaña once said, crediting the coach for keeping him at Guaraní when club leadership wanted him gone. That bond could prove decisive as Racing looks to lure him to Avellaneda, though San Lorenzo is expected to demand a substantial offer for one of its top performers.

Racing will wrap up the Libertadores group stage on Thursday, May 29 at 21:30, hosting Fortaleza at El Cilindro. Leading Group E with 10 points, the Argentine side will aim to secure the top seed, while the Brazilian club (8 points) and third-placed Bucaramanga (6) remain in contention for qualification.