Carlos Valdes was a great asset to the Philadelphia Union. The Union have loaned him back to Colombian side Santa Fe. Photo Credit to Getty Images
This off-season has brought some good players into Philadelphia, but has also been filled with rumors galore about Carlos Valdes going on loan. Well, those rumors and endless speculation can now be put to rest. The Philadelphia Union officially announced on Jan. 15 that Carlos Valdes is officially heading to Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe on a yearlong loan.
Interestingly enough, the Union received Valdes on loan back on Jan. 20, 2011 and had full rights to him on Aug. 5, 2011. During the 2012 season, Valdes appeared in 33 games and scored two goals.
This move back to Sante Fe allows Valdes to gain the attention of the Colombian National Team coach Jose Pekerman. Just like the US Men’s National Team will be doing, Colombia will try to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and will be competing in the final stage of the CONMEBOL qualifying.
Valdes will be missed by Union fans and the staff alike. While it will be different not to see Valdes out on the pitch at PPL Park, the Union did trade for a nice center back in Jeff Parke this off-season. On a related note, Parke earned a call-up to the USMNT earlier this month.
“We will certainly miss Carlos for this season, but this is a unique situation,” said Union manager John Hackworth. “We have done everything possible to make sure this move works for both the player and our club. Our hope is that this allows Carlos the best chance of reaching his dream of playing in the 2014 World Cup.”
