Who Will Fill Paredes’ Shoes? Colo Colo’s Urgent Search for a New Striker Ahead of the 2026 Season

## Colo Colo’s Striker Search Intensifies: Paredes’ Legacy Looms Large in 2026
Colo Colo’s quest for a prolific striker has become a central narrative as the 2026 Chilean Primera Division season rapidly approaches. With the shadow of legendary forward Esteban Paredes still looming large over the Estadio Monumental David Arellano, the club faces the daunting task of finding a consistent goalscorer to lead their attack. The pressure is on newly appointed manager Jorge Almirón to identify and integrate a player capable of not only finding the back of the net but also embodying the spirit and passion that Paredes represented.
### The Paredes Effect: A Legacy of Goals and Expectations
Esteban Paredes’ impact on Colo Colo is undeniable. He holds the record for the most goals scored in the Chilean Primera División with 219, and his tenure at Colo Colo saw him become a symbol of the club’s identity. Replacing such a figure is a monumental challenge, and the club’s recent struggles in the goalscoring department highlight the urgency of their current search.
Since Paredes’ departure and subsequent retirement, Colo Colo has experimented with various attacking options, but none have consistently replicated his goalscoring prowess. While players like Damian Pizarro have shown flashes of brilliance, consistency and a clinical edge in front of goal have been lacking. This deficiency was evident in the 2025 season where, despite finishing in the top half of the table, Colo Colo’s goal difference was significantly lower than their rivals, indicating a need for greater firepower.
### Analyzing the 2025 Season: Goalscoring Deficiencies
A closer look at Colo Colo’s 2025 season reveals the extent of their goalscoring issues. According to [SofaScore](https://www.sofascore.com/), Colo Colo averaged 1.3 goals per game, a figure that falls short of championship-winning standards. Their shot conversion rate was also relatively low at 9.8%, indicating a need for more clinical finishing.
Furthermore, the team’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive attacking patterns was a recurring theme. While the midfield often controlled possession effectively – averaging 54% possession per game – the transition from midfield to attack lacked fluidity, resulting in fewer clear-cut chances. This tactical inefficiency underscores the need for a striker who can not only score goals but also contribute to the team’s overall attacking structure.
### Potential Targets: Assessing the Options
Several names have been linked with a move to Colo Colo, each offering a different skill set and potential solution to the club’s goalscoring woes. While specific names circulating in transfer rumors are constantly in flux, the profile of the ideal striker for Colo Colo remains consistent: a player with a proven track record, a strong physical presence, and the ability to link up effectively with the midfield.
Here are the common types of players Colo Colo is typically linked with:
Experienced South American Striker: Often, Colo Colo looks towards experienced players from leagues in Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay. These players bring experience and often a proven goalscoring record within the South American context. They typically understand the intensity of the Chilean league.
Emerging Chilean Talent: Investing in young Chilean strikers is always an option, providing a long-term solution and potentially high resale value. However, these players may require time to develop and adapt to the pressure of playing for a club like Colo Colo.
European-Based South Americans: Players of Chilean or South American descent playing in European leagues sometimes express interest in returning to South America. These players offer a blend of European tactical understanding and South American flair.
### Jorge Almirón’s Tactical Approach: Implications for the Striker
Jorge Almirón’s appointment as manager brings a new tactical dimension to Colo Colo. Known for his attacking philosophy and emphasis on high pressing, Almirón’s system demands a striker who is not only a goalscorer but also a willing participant in the team’s defensive efforts.
Almirón’s preferred formation typically involves a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, both of which require a striker who can lead the line effectively, hold up the ball, and bring other players into the attack. The striker must also be adept at making runs in behind the defense and exploiting spaces created by the team’s attacking midfielders.
Quotes from previous Almirón press conferences, while not directly related to Colo Colo, provide insight into his tactical preferences: “I want my teams to be proactive, to dominate possession, and to create chances. The striker is a key part of that, he needs to be intelligent, strong, and clinical in front of goal.”
### Damian Pizarro: The Internal Solution?
While the transfer market offers potential solutions, Colo Colo also possesses an internal option in the form of Damian Pizarro. The young forward has shown promise, but consistency remains a concern. Under Almirón’s guidance, Pizarro could potentially develop into the prolific striker Colo Colo desperately needs.
However, Pizarro’s development will require patience and a clear tactical plan. Almirón needs to work closely with Pizarro to improve his finishing, his decision-making in the final third, and his overall understanding of the game. Providing Pizarro with consistent playing time and the right support system could unlock his full potential.
### The Pressure is On: Expectations for 2026
The pressure on Colo Colo to find a solution to their striker problem is immense. The club’s fans demand success, and the board is committed to providing Almirón with the resources he needs to build a competitive team. The 2026 season represents a crucial opportunity for Colo Colo to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in Chilean football.
The signing of a prolific striker would not only boost the team’s goalscoring output but also provide a significant morale boost to the entire squad. The new signing needs to integrate quickly and contribute immediately to the team’s success. The weight of history and the legacy of Esteban Paredes will undoubtedly weigh heavily on whoever is chosen to lead the line for Colo Colo in 2026.
### Conclusion: A Crucial Decision Looms
Colo Colo’s search for a striker is more than just a transfer saga; it’s a reflection of the club’s ambition and its desire to reclaim its place at the top of Chilean football. The decision of who to bring in to lead the attack in 2026 will have far-reaching consequences for the team’s success. Almirón and the Colo Colo board must carefully consider all their options and make a decision that will not only address the team’s immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term success. The ghost of Paredes will be watching. [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.com/) will likely be a busy site for Colo Colo fans in the coming weeks.