It seems Newcastle United are making a big impression in South America.
Atletico Nacional winger Marino Hinestroza has set his sights on a move to Europe - and namechecked Newcastle United as a club he admires.
Who is Marino Hinestroza?
Born in Cali, Colombia, Hinestroza played in his homeland for Orsomarso and America de Cali before joining Brazilian side Palmeiras on loan with an option to buy in January 2020.
Hinestroza was placed into Palmeiras’ under-20 team and failed to make a first-team appearance. After that, Hinestroza moved to Mexico to join C.F. Pachuca, where he spent 18 months before heading to the MLS to link up with Columbus Crew.
Less than a year later, Hinestroza returned to Brazil, this time joining Atletico Nacional, initially on loan before joining permanently in January this year. He has made 47 appearances for Atletico Nacional, scoring eight goals and registering the same number of assists.
What did Marino Hinzestora say about Newcastle United?
Hinestorza spoke to the Brazilian media after Atletico Nacional’s 3-2 defeat to Junior FC on Sunday and it was there he revealed his fondness for Newcastle United.
"If I win this, my dream is to play in Europe, and people would be chuffed because I’d leave a significant mark if we win the Libertadores,” he said. “I’m really fond of Newcastle United Football Club in the Premier League.”
The clip was translated by journalist Juan Pablo Rua Jimenez (see below).
Reports in Brazil suggest Argentine giants Boca Juniors are showing an interest but Hinestroza favours a move to Europe.
It’s claimed the winger is valued at £6million, however both Atletico Nacional and Columbus Crew share his transfer equally (50% each), which could complicate negotiations.
‘Sign him up!’
Not many supporters have heard of Hinestroza, but his complimentary comments about Newcastle have already encouraged some calls to sign him!
“Wow! Never heard of him but I'm now following lol,” one fan wrote on X while another replied: “Never seen him play in my life but sign him up!”
The Colombian connection...
If Hinestroza needs a sale pitch, then he could turn to Colombian football legend Tino Asprilla...
Asprilla, who first joined Newcastle in 1996 - six years before Hinestroza was born - is the only Colombian player to play for Newcastle in the Premier League. Part of the Kevin Keegan Entertainers era, the striker made 63 appearances across two years on Tyneside.
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