Colombian Goalkeeper Iván Arboleda Joins Sarmiento

Colombian goalkeeper Iván Arboleda has officially joined Argentine club Sarmiento on a free transfer, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until December 2027. The 30-year-old custodian arrives from Águilas Doradas of the Colombian top flight and is expected to be the primary choice in goal, replacing Javier Burrai.

Arboleda is no stranger to Argentine football, having previously played for Newell’s Old Boys and Banfield. His most extensive spell was with Banfield, where he spent five seasons between 2016 and 2021, accumulating 95 appearances across both clubs. His time at Newell’s was shorter, lasting only half a year in 2022.

European Interlude

Before his return to Argentina, Arboleda also had a period in European football. He was part of Spanish club Rayo Vallecano during the 2021-2022 season, though he did not feature in any official matches. Following this, he joined Anorthosis in the Cypriot First Division, where he played for a year and made 27 appearances.

Near Miss with Colombia

A significant moment in Arboleda’s career was his inclusion in the preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. At just 22 years old, he was called up by then-Colombia manager José Pékerman as part of a 35-player pre-selection. Arboleda himself expressed surprise at the call-up, having not been previously selected for the national team. Despite his strong performances for Banfield at the time, he ultimately did not make the final cut for the tournament in Russia.

Disciplinary Issues

In 2025, while playing for Millonarios in Colombia, Arboleda faced disciplinary action. He was not called up for a match due to off-field conduct, reportedly related to partying. This decision came at a time when the team was struggling with poor results, leading the club to sideline the goalkeeper as a penalty.

Key facts

This signing brings a goalkeeper with significant experience in Argentine football and a background that includes near-international status. For Sarmiento, securing Arboleda on a free transfer represents a strategic move to bolster their squad with a proven performer. Supporters will hope his previous successes in Argentina can translate to stability and strong performances for their club.

Source: Ole – https://www.ole.com.ar/sarmiento-junin/sarmiento-mundial-pekerman_0_5vJQSP7AYK.html