Cafeteros on the Move | August Transfer Recap
The August transfer window has been another busy month for Colombian footballers moving across the globe. Some of these moves are huge steps in their careers, while others are opportunities to reset and rebuild. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to check out last month’s transfer recap (https://cafeterodelnorte.com/cafeteros-on-the-move-july-2025-transfers/), where several other important moves were highlighted.
Here’s a full look at the most notable Colombian transfers from August 2025.
Jorge Carrascal – Flamengo
Jorge Carrascal has joined Brazilian giants Flamengo from Dynamo Moscow in a deal worth €12.5 million. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder spent four seasons in Russia between CSKA and Dynamo, scoring 16 goals and adding 10 assists during that time. Now, he takes on the challenge of one of the most competitive leagues in the world with one of its biggest clubs.
Carrascal has already featured in a few matches but has been limited to short cameos so far, which isn’t surprising given Flamengo’s stacked roster. With time, he’ll be hoping to prove his quality and establish himself as a star in Brazil.
Nelson Deossa – Real Betis
After a strong three-year run in Mexico, Nelson Deossa has completed a €11.7 million move from Monterrey to Real Betis. The 25-year-old midfielder impressed with Pachuca and Monterrey, scoring 17 goals and assisting seven across 78 matches. His performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup also boosted his stock.
Deossa now has a chance to showcase his talent in LaLiga, one of the best leagues in the world, joining fellow Cafetero Cucho Hernández in Spain. He hasn’t debuted yet due to injury, but Betis are struggling and will need his quality as soon as possible.
Juan Cuadrado – Pisa
A name every Colombian fan knows, Juan Cuadrado continues his long career with a free transfer to newly promoted Serie A side Pisa after leaving Atalanta. At 37 years old, the versatile right-back/wing-back isn’t the player he once was but still shows flashes of quality.
Last season, he played 32 matches for Atalanta in all competitions (albeit just nine in Serie A), contributing three assists. With Pisa, he’s already featured three times and looks set for a rotational role. It’s impressive to see him still competing at the highest level, and perhaps he could even earn a national team call-up as a depth option in certain scenarios and as can be seen from the Embed, Cuadrado has this desire as well.
Luis Sinisterra – Cruzeiro
Luis Sinisterra has completed a loan move from Bournemouth to Cruzeiro. The 26-year-old winger has endured a tough stretch in England due to persistent injuries, managing just 37 games across two seasons but still registering four goals and four assists.
Sinisterra is a top talent when fully fit, and Brazil could be the perfect stage to rebuild his confidence. He’s already made his debut, though only for three minutes. With more playing time, he can regain sharpness and hopefully return to Europe stronger.
Andrés Gómez – Vasco da Gama
Andrés Gómez has joined Vasco da Gama on loan from Rennes. The 22-year-old winger has already had bright moments with the Colombian national team, scoring two goals in just four appearances.
His time in Ligue 1 hasn’t quite clicked yet, but the move to Brazil provides a great chance for consistent minutes. He already marked his Vasco debut with an assist and even earned an honorable mention in last week’s Colombian Player Rankings. If this spell goes well, he’ll return to France ready to prove himself.
Carlos Cuesta – Vasco da Gama
Carlos Cuesta has completed a loan move from Galatasaray to Vasco da Gama. The 26-year-old center-back had been surrounded by rumors all summer, as it was clear Galatasaray no longer counted on him. While leaving Europe is always a tough step, he joins a strong side in a competitive league and will now line up alongside fellow Cafetero Andrés Gómez, who also made the switch this month. Hopefully, Cuesta can secure the consistent minutes he deserves and play a key role in helping Vasco.
Gustavo Puerta – Real Santander
After his permanent transfer to Hull City collapsed, Gustavo Puerta has now found a new home in Spain, signing with Real Santander in the second division for €3.5 million. The 22-year-old midfielder had been linked with several destinations, including clubs in Spain and Russia, and ultimately got the move he was looking for.
Although it might have been exciting to see him stay and fight for a role at Bayer Leverkusen, this transfer gives Puerta the opportunity to secure consistent minutes and continue developing. Anyone who watched him with Colombia’s U20 side knows his potential — now he just needs the right system to flourish into the player many expect him to become.
Steven Alzate – Atlanta United
Steven Alzate makes the switch from Hull City to Atlanta United for €1.7 million. The 26-year-old central midfielder, once called up to the Selección Colombia, has had a rough few years since leaving Brighton in 2024. His most recent stint at Hull saw him play 28 matches (21 starts), where he provided just one assist despite some solid performances.
Atlanta United has been struggling this season, but the MLS offers Alzate a chance to get consistent minutes and rebuild his career. The level is comparable to the English Championship, and if he settles quickly, he could carve out a name for himself in North America.
Alexis Manyoma – Colorado Rapids
At just 22 years old, Alexis Manyoma has joined the Colorado Rapids on loan from Estudiantes (Argentina). The winger isn’t yet a household name, but he’s built a promising profile, making 40 appearances (18 starts) for Estudiantes with 4 goals and 6 assists since 2023.
MLS may not be as competitive as the Argentine league, but it offers a strong platform to develop. If he earns consistent minutes, Manyoma could return to Estudiantes a more mature player, with the potential to become important for the national team in the future.
Santiago Moreno – Fluminense
After several standout seasons with Portland Timbers in MLS, Santiago Moreno has earned a move to Brazilian side Fluminense. The 25-year-old winger looks set to replace Jhon Arias, who left for the Premier League last month.
Moreno was a key figure for Portland, racking up 146 appearances, 22 goals, and 30 assists over five seasons. Brazil offers a tougher environment, but if he brings the same quality he showed in MLS, he could thrive at Fluminense and even push his way back into the Colombia national team setup.
Óscar Cortés – Sporting Gijón
After sealing a permanent move to Rangers last month, Óscar Cortés is already on the move again, joining Spanish second-tier side Sporting Gijón on loan. The 21-year-old winger struggled for minutes in Scotland, so this change gives him the chance to develop with more regular playing time.
While Sporting Gijón isn’t as prestigious as Rangers, it may prove the right environment for Cortés to grow. Like Gustavo Puerta, we know how talented he can be — now it’s about getting consistency. He’ll also have the comfort of joining fellow Colombian Juan Otero at the club.
Daniel Ruiz – CSKA Moscow
Daniel Ruiz, once heavily linked with Arsenal, has taken a step to Europe by joining CSKA Moscow on loan from Millonarios. Now 24, Ruiz’s career has been up and down — after an underwhelming stint at Santos in Brazil, he returned to Millonarios and played well domestically.
The Russian league isn’t the most glamorous, but it’s competitive, and this could be a valuable experience for him. He’s already made two appearances with limited minutes. The hope is that he can use this loan to reignite his potential and return stronger.
Carlos Terán – Athletico Paranaense
Defender Carlos Terán has moved from Chicago Fire to Athletico Paranaense. At 24, Terán has quietly built consistency in MLS, where he made 90 appearances across five seasons since leaving Envigado in 2020.
Now, he gets a chance to play in Brazil, South America’s strongest league. It’s a step up and an opportunity to show his potential at a higher level.
Camilo Durán – Qarabag FK
Camilo Durán has left Portugal’s Portimonense for Qarabag FK in Azerbaijan in a deal worth €200k. The 23-year-old winger played 30 matches and scored five goals in Portugal’s second tier.
While the Azerbaijan league isn’t prestigious, Qarabag are its top club and play regularly in the Champions League. Plus, he’ll join fellow Colombian Kevin Medina there. This move could be a gateway for Durán to showcase himself on the European stage.
Yeison Guzmán – Fortaleza
Yeison Guzmán has leaves Torpedo Moscow for a €1 million move to Fortaleza in Brazil. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder was once a familiar name in Colombia’s domestic league, known for his creativity and flair. His stint in Russia wasn’t long, but he did show flashes of quality, scoring five goals in just 11 games.
For many, this move is actually a step up, since Brazil is one of the best leagues in the world. Guzmán will have the chance to show his skills on a bigger stage and could become an important player for Fortaleza if he settles in quickly.
Daniel Luna – Huesca
Daniel Luna has gone out on another loan, this time to Spanish second-tier side Huesca from Mallorca. The 22-year-old winger/attacking midfielder burst onto the scene with Colombia’s U20s in 2023 but hasn’t secured regular minutes in LaLiga.
Last season, he was on loan at Cartagena, where he made 17 appearances (11 starts), scoring three goals and assisting one. Mallorca still seems to believe in him, and a strong season at Huesca could be what he needs to finally break into their first team.
Bonus Player
Darwin Cortés – Guimarães
Darwin Cortés, just 18 years old, has earned a loan move from Millonarios to Portuguese side Vitória de Guimarães. The young center-back is unlikely to feature much for the first team right away, but the move itself is encouraging. If he impresses at youth or reserve level, he could secure a permanent deal and grow into a big player for the future.
Final Thoughts
August brought a mix of blockbuster moves and developmental loans for Colombian players. From Carrascal joining Flamengo, to Deossa’s leap to LaLiga, to Sinisterra seeking redemption in Brazil, there’s plenty to keep an eye on. Even lesser-known names like Durán and Cortés could turn these opportunities into stepping stones for bigger careers.
And make sure to look out for our upcoming Top 10 Ranking of Colombian Transfers from the entire summer window, where we’ll break down the most impactful moves overall.
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