Colombian international Santiago Arias, who represented Sporting between 2011 and 2013, was presented as a reinforcement for Argentines Independiente, with whom he signed a contract valid until December 2027.
The 34-year-old right-back has represented Bahia for the last two years, after having enjoyed a career in Europe with PSV, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Granada, in addition to his experience at Alvalade.
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In 2023, he played in the North American MLS for Cincinnati, before playing in the Brasileirão.
Independiente, a club from the city of Avellaneda, was a semi-finalist in the Argentine Apertura last season, having also reached the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.
Santiago Arias is a player of #Independent!
The Colombian full-back, who recently moved to Bahía de Brasil, arrives as a free player and signed his contract until December 2027.
Welcome to the King of Cups! 🇨🇴#TodoRojo 🔴 pic.twitter.com/HBYJoUcfgL
— CA Independent (@Independiente)
January 26, 2026
