Colombia's Junior secures striker Borja on loan

BARRANQUILLA - Colombian striker Miguel Borja will return to his homeland in 2020 as he attempts to jump-start his stalled career with a season-long loan at Junior de Barranquilla.

Borja joins Junior from Brazilian giants Palmeiras, where he scored just 36 goals from 112 matches over three years.

"I'm grateful for this great opportunity," the 26-year-old told reporters upon arriving at Barranquilla's international airport on Sunday.

"It has been something that we've been working toward for a couple of days. We hope that together we can achieve our objectives and win trophies in 2020."

Earlier, Barranquilla officials confirmed that Palmeiras had agreed to release the Colombia international, without providing financial details. Junior will have the option of turning the loan into a permanent deal next December, according to media reports.

Borja joined Palmeiras from Atletico Nacional in February 2017 after helping the Colombian side win the 2016 Copa Libertadores.

The most recent of his 10 Colombia caps came in a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in October 2018.