Independiente clears Chimy Ávila to make his debut in the Clausura 2026

Nearly a month of paperwork, filings and roster slots that just wouldn't line up. That's what it took for Independiente to register Ezequiel "Chimy" Ávila. The AFA finally gave the green light, and the forward is now eligible to make his debut in the 2026 Clausura Tournament.

The holdup was never about soccer, it was administrative. The Rojo had its foreign player or roster slots full and needed someone to leave in order to fit Ávila in. The move that unlocked everything was Luciano Barros Ayala's departure on loan to Plaza Colonia of Uruguay. With that transaction, the club freed up the spot it needed and was able to officially register the former San Lorenzo man.

Ávila arrived in Avellaneda as a free agent following his stint at Real Betis, and from day one he made clear he didn't want to stay off the field a single day longer than necessary. Now, with the AFA's approval in hand, it's up to Jadson Viera to decide whether to include him in the squad for this coming Sunday, when Independiente hosts Gimnasia de Mendoza at the Libertadores de América stadium in matchday seven of the tournament.

Chimy's arrival takes on added significance in light of what could happen with Gabriel Ávalos. The Rojo's starting forward has drawn interest from several clubs in this transfer window. According to a report by Nicolás Brusco on SC Night, interest from Olimpia and Vasco da Gama has now been joined by Vélez, though the Paraguayan, who is under contract through December, would prefer to return to play in his home country. If that departure goes through, Ávila could go from being a rotation option to a far more central piece in the coach's plans.

The forward himself had already spoken about his eagerness to get on the field as soon as possible in an interview with Equipo F, even before knowing the clearance would come through in time for this weekend.

If I could make the bench for the next game, that would be great. That's up to the coach to decide. We've talked a lot, we understood each other well, he puts across positive things and we have to push forward, all together.Ezequiel Ávila

Chimy also offered a line that sums up pretty well the point he's at in his career and what he's looking to find at Independiente.

I'm happy, I'm looking for a fresh start. My time at San Lorenzo is over and I had something nagging at me, being able to show more and get a chance to prove myself again in Argentine soccer.Ezequiel Ávila

Now the ball is in Viera's court. The clearance is done, the player is available, and Rojo fans are starting to wonder whether Sunday, against Gimnasia de Mendoza, will be the first time they see the red jersey on Chimy Ávila's shoulders.