Revista Fútbol Federal | By Mateo Ledesma
Inside Daniel Vega’s Quiet Youth Revolution
While much of the spotlight during Gabriel Batistuta’s fourth season in charge of Huracán has been fixed on the winter transfer window and its clear pivot toward experience, those inside the club insist the soul of the project has not changed. Daniel Vega has repeated it often, sometimes publicly, often privately: youth recruitment is not a phase, it is an identity.
And during the mid-season window of 2028, Vega once again put substance behind those words.
The youth intake itself brought both optimism and consequence. Three players were promoted internally and rewarded with full-time contracts, a moment of pride for the academy. Others, less fortunate, were released to pursue careers elsewhere. The result was an Under-20 squad suddenly thin on numbers, a gap that forced Vega into action. What followed was a nationwide scouting operation that blended developmental profiles, raw athletes, and a handful of high-ceiling bets.
In total, Huracán invested $1.065 million in 13 youth signings, a significant outlay given the club had already exceeded $8 million on senior reinforcements. The message was clear: experience may stabilize the present, but youth will still shape the future.
The Intake: Contracts Earned, Not Gifted
Ariel Lizarraga (15) – Centre Back
A short centre defender at just 5’8”, Lizarraga is not your typical Argentine central defender. But those inside the academy believe he compensates with intelligence and bravery.
“Ariel reads the game like a midfielder,” said Juan Cruz Méndez, a youth coach who worked with him last season. “He’s aggressive without being reckless, and his tackling timing is exceptional for his age. The question is physical development, but at 15, that’s not a flaw, it’s a variable.”
A long-term project, Lizarraga will need time to develop strength, pace, and his distribution, but the foundations are there.
Emiliano Paz (16) – Full Back
Dual-footed, determined, and brave, Paz fits the modern wing-back profile Batistuta demands.
“He’s the type of player who survives at higher levels because of mentality,” noted Marcos Feldman, a regional scout based in Entre Ríos. “He doesn’t hide, he overlaps relentlessly, and he’s comfortable crossing on either foot. That already puts him ahead of many players his age.”
Santiago Godoy (16) – Wing Back
Godoy may be the most intriguing and risky of the intake contracts. At just 5’1”, his physical limitations are obvious.
“This is a gamble on growth,” admitted Ricardo Salas, a youth development analyst. “But he’s quick, tireless, and coachable. If the growth spurt comes, Huracán could have a unique weapon. If it doesn’t, the club still believes his work ethic gives him a chance.”
The Recruits: Casting a Wide Net
Bruno Martínez (16) – Centre Back
Fee: $575,000 | From Colegiales
The headline signing of the group. At 6’5” and left-footed, Martínez already looks like a prototype centre-back.
“Physically, he’s years ahead,” said Luis Ferreyra, a Primera Nacional scout. “But what surprised us is his determination. He attacks the ball, he wins duels, and he’s faster than people expect for his size.”
Leandro Castellanos (16) – Goalkeeper
Free | From Central Ballester
“Explosive reflexes and real aggression in the box,” said Pablo Echeverría, a goalkeeping coach. “He’s raw in positioning, but that’s teachable. You can’t teach courage.”
Emanuel Caballero (16) – Full Back
$91,000 | From Círculo Deportivo
“Leadership at 16 is rare,” said Federico Núñez, a local journalist. “He talks, he organizes, and he’s technically cleaner than most full-backs at this level.”
Nicolás Traverso (16) – Full Back
Free | From Asociación Deportiva Albardón
“If his technical work improves, he won’t stay at full-back,” suggested Raúl Castaño, a youth scout. “He’s aggressive, quick, and naturally fit, a coach’s dream.”
Ariel Di Pietro (16) – Centre Back
$150,000 | From Atlético Carcarañá
“A physical monster,” said Sebastián Molina, a Santa Fe-based scout. “Now the challenge is teaching him how to play, not just defend.”
Ariel Zárate (16) – Attacking Midfielder
$3,600 | From A.T.I.L.R.A
One of the bargains of the window.
“Composure is his standout trait,” said Ignacio Romero, a youth analyst. “He finishes calmly, turns defenders with either foot, and doesn’t panic under pressure.”
Nehuén Córdoba (16) – Attacking Midfielder
Free | From Deportivo Aguilares
“He’s aggressive and fearless,” said Carlos Quintana, a Tucumán-based reporter. “If his physical frame catches up, he could surprise a lot of people.”
Marcos Moyano (16) – Midfielder
$5,000 | From Gimnasia (Chivilcoy)
“Think of him as a tempo controller,” said Eduardo Lamas, a youth coach. “He’s not fast, not tall — but he understands space.”
Elvio Sosa (16) – Attacking Player
$72,000 | From Centro Español
“A worker with flair,” said Matías Roldán, a development scout. “Those are the players who survive transitions.”
Leandro Gianunzio (16) – Attacking Midfielder
Free | From 25 de Mayo (TRH)
“He lives in dangerous zones,” said Oscar Benítez, a regional journalist. “He links play naturally and arrives late into the box.”
Thiago Conti (16) – Winger
Free | From Morning Star (Rosario)
“Completely raw,” admitted Julián Ferrero, a Rosario-based scout. “But sometimes raw is where the ceiling is highest.”
Gabriel Bidondo (15) – Winger
$34,000 | From Rosario Central
“For his age group, he stands out,” said Nicolás Paredes, youth reporter. “The technique will come.”
Mario Acevedo (16) – Striker
$135,000 | From Deportivo Maipú
“He’s not finished physically, and he’s not finished positionally,” said Hernán Costa, a scouting coordinator. “That’s why Vega likes him.”
Agustín Vega (16) – Striker
Free | From Bella Vista (BB)
“Speed and aggression already separate him,” said Diego Almada, local coach. “Strength can be built.”
Final Thoughts
Will any of this group emerge as the next Huracán wonderkid? At 15 and 16 years old, it is far too early to declare futures. Development is not linear, and patience will be required from the club, the staff, and the supporters.
What is clear is that Daniel Vega has not abandoned his promise. Even in a season defined by experience at senior level, Huracán’s long-term bet on youth remains alive, detailed, and deliberate.
I’ll leave you with the question, dear reader: which of these names stands out to you and which will we still be talking about in five years’ time?
The Gaffers Lounge 
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