Colombian Kevin Castaño Joins Atlético Mineiro on Loan for One Year

Colombian midfielder Kevin Castaño will play for Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro on loan for one year, following an agreement with Argentina's River Plate. The Belo Horizonte-based team has secured an option to buy the player permanently after his loan period concludes.

Castaño, 25, was part of the Colombian squad that competed in the recent World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, he has not consistently featured for River Plate since joining the Argentine club.

His career path includes formative years at Águilas Doradas in his native Colombia. In 2023, he moved to Mexico's Cruz Azul, and less than a year later, he transferred to Russia's Krasnodar. He remained with Krasnodar until March 2025, when he signed with River Plate.

Seeking regular playing time, Castaño is embarking on his first experience in Brazilian football with Atlético Mineiro. The team is managed by Argentine coach Eduardo Domínguez, and Castaño aims to establish himself as a starter.

This signing marks Atlético Mineiro's second notable acquisition announced on Friday. The club also confirmed the return of Brazilian midfielder Fred, who ended a thirteen-year stint in Europe to rejoin the club where he began his youth career. Atlético Mineiro is currently mid-table in the Brazilian Championship but still has opportunities to win titles. They are competing for a spot in the Copa do Brasil semifinals against rivals Cruzeiro and are close to reaching the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana after winning the first leg of their round of 16 match.