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Racing Club kick off pre-season with Sergio Canales as key signing
Racing Club have launched their 2026-27 pre-season campaign in Argentina’s top flight. The team, sitting third in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 25 points from 16 games and an average of 1.56 per match, are desperate to avoid relegation. The headline arrival is Sergio Canales, the only new signing confirmed so far beyond the renewals of Villalibre and Facundo.
Manager José Alberto has called up 14 first-team players and several youth team members to stake their claim in the final squad. Canales, 31 and with over 300 top-flight appearances, arrives to shore up the midfield. Meanwhile, Jonathan Puerta’s future remains uncertain after an inconsistent season, while teenager Salinas —who scored in the UEFA U19 final last Saturday— has drawn interest from Spanish clubs.
What is Racing Club targeting in pre-season?
The immediate goal is survival. Racing have scored 16 goals and conceded 13 (+3 goal difference), but their recent form —three wins, two draws and two losses in their last seven— demands improvement. Canales brings creativity and experience to a side six points behind leaders Estudiantes de La Plata. The team cannot afford another slow start if they are to avoid the drop.
Pre-season action begins on Saturday 18 July at 18:00 local time in Zubieta against Real Sociedad. It will be the first test for Canales and any late arrivals. José Alberto is banking on internal competition, with youth players forced to fight for places in the starting XI.
The futures of Puerta and Salinas hang in the balance
Uncertainty surrounds two key men. Right-back Jonathan Puerta, 28, has yet to agree his future after a patchy campaign. His exit could clear the way for a youth-team prospect. In contrast, 19-year-old Salinas —who netted in last weekend’s UEFA U19 final— is the most sought-after asset. His transfer value could help balance the club’s books.
Racing are still negotiating with agents to plug the gaps before the transfer window closes. The board is eyeing young prospects, but time and budget are tight. Canales, under contract until 2027, is the safest bet to steady the ship from matchday one.
What’s next for Racing Club in July?
The squad faces a week of intense training before the Real Sociedad friendly. José Alberto’s priority is integrating Canales into the system and bedding in any new arrivals. The Liga Profesional Argentina campaign kicks off on 9 August at Argentinos Juniors —a game that could set the tone for the season.
With 25 points from 16 games and an average of 1.56 per match, Racing cannot afford another hesitant start. Canales arrives to be the difference-maker, but the clock is ticking. The fans are hoping pre-season will forge unity and hunger for the league opener.
