Sporty crystal No reinforcements have been announced for the Clausura and the rest of their international participation this season. Many Sky Blue fans have been asking since the beginning of the year for another signing who, like Ignácio, makes a difference, so there is great anticipation for what will happen in the coming days. Given the various rumours, one from the footballer’s environment has been confirmed: Juan Cruz Esquivelthe young Argentinian winger who currently plays for the Patronato.
The name Juan Cruz EsquIvel is no stranger to Peruvian football as potential Sporting Cristal reinforcements already know what it takes to face, score and beat a national team. In the Patronato’s first and only Copa Libertadores win, Esquivel was the figure of the match in a 4-1 win over Melgar. He scored a beautiful brace that day, and it was that feat that piqued the Celestials’ interest in him.
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Who is Juan Cruz Esquivel?
Juan Cruz Esquivel was born on August 22, 2000 in Cañada Rosquín, Santa Fe Province, Argentina. He was trained in the minor divisions of Club Atlético Rafaela, a team with which he made his debut at the age of 18 on March 7, 2019 in the first round of the Copa Argentina against Almagro. Esquivel signed his first professional contract in February 2018 and was named the sixth division top scorer the previous year.
Juan Esquivel’s first big season began in 2021 as he started the first half of the year with Rafaela in Primera B Nacional. At that time he made several engagements as a midfielder but also managed to score 6 goals in 19 games. Thanks to this, Esquivel quickly made the leap to the first division: at the age of 21, Talleres de Córdoba bought 65% of his passport and gave him a contract until 2024.
Juan Cruz Esquivel had a somewhat complicated departure from Atlético Rafaela and joined Talleres. Photo: J.Barrera
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With the T, Juan Esquivel failed to score and was mainly a substitute. In mid-2022 he moved to Platense on loan, where he also almost always played in the second half. In search of more continuity, he terminated his contract with the club and ended up on the board of trustees in early 2023. He is an undisputed regular at the Patron and, apart from his second division stint, he had the opportunity to play and score in the Liberators’ Cup.
Juan Cruz Esquivel and his approach to Sporting Cristal
Juan Esquivel used to play as a midfielder, but with the Patronato he has established himself as a winger and striker. In fact, he started at left flank in the game in which he scored two goals for Melgar. In that sense, given the rumors of a possible departure from Washington Corozo, the arrival of the young Argentine would be precise. It is worth remembering that in the last few days it has emerged that Emelec has an interest in the Ecuadorian.
Juan Cruz Esquivel has a contract with the Board of Trustees until December 2023. Photo: Board of Trustees
Regarding the possibility of Juan Cruz Esquivel reaching Sporting Cristal, Rubén Jordan, the player’s representative, revealed in an interview with Willax Deportes that the club had already officially communicated with them through the scout and Guido Bravo. Aware of the club’s project and goals, both Esquivel and his entourage hope to set the fate of the footballer in the first week of July.