CHAPECOENSE are set to sign 20 new players for the upcoming new Brazilian league season.
The club lost 19 players and members of coaching staff in the tragic plane disaster over Colombia in November.
The Brazilian outfit were on their way to the Copa Sudamericana final to take on Atletico Nacional when the plane went down.
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Chapecoense were later awarded the trophy as a mark of respect, but now the side are having to turn their attention to the new season – which begins on January 26, just three weeks from now.
Director of football Rui Costa has claimed they will need to resort to a host of loan deals, but did not mention whether they would make a U-turn over Ronaldinho, having rejected the chance to take the Brazilian legend on last month.
Costa said: We are resorting to a lot of loans.
"That is a tool for bringing together quality, speed and budget. Many clubs are being partners in this."
Costa went on to say that the shirt numbers of defensive duo Alan Ruschel and Neto would be reserved, not just out of respect, but as he fully expects them to pull on the green jerseys once more.
The number of goalkeeper Jackson Follman will also be left free, despite having part of his leg amputated in the accident.
He added: "No player this season will use the shirts that were worn by Jackson Follmann, Neto or Alan Ruschel.
"More than a tribute, we expect Alan and Neto to come back and wear them.
"Follmann sadly won't be able to but he will certainly be back here with us in some capacity."
Chapecoense begin their pre-season on Friday before taking on Joinville in their opening league game on January 26.
In an admirable twist, the club have also rejected the proposal meaning they could not be relegated within the next three years as they ready to battle for their place in the league, despite the disaster.
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