Cruz Azul Faces Prospects of Big Transfers and Departures

México City, Mexico – The transfer market is heating up as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Cruz Azul is in talks to hire a new head coach while also making significant player acquisitions, including José Paradela and Luka Jovic.

However, the team also faces potential departures. Carlos Vargas, who has only played 10 matches in two and a half years, along with Giorgos Giakoumakis and Alexis Gutiérrez, may leave La Noria.

The Sevilla Football Club is reportedly close to signing a familiar face to Cruz Azul’s fans. Matías Almeyda, a former coach of Chivas, could soon take the role of head coach at Sevilla, pending official confirmation.

According to journalist César Luis Merlo, Sevilla may announce Almeyda’s hiring within hours. Recently, Almeyda was linked to Cruz Azul but was ultimately ruled out, similar to Guillermo Almada.

In a twist, the Spanish club is also rumored to be targeting Orbelín Pineda from Cruz Azul. According to Claro Sports, the midfielder could join Sevilla after the Gold Cup, where Mexico is favored to win. Pineda played a crucial role in Cruz Azul’s championship win in Guardianes 2021 under coach Juan Reynoso.

At 29 years old, Pineda has been implicated in transfer talks involving Monterrey and a number of teams in Liga MX, including Chivas and Cruz Azul. It appears he may join Almeyda in Sevilla, as the coach previously managed him at AEK Athens.

Pineda has a release clause of $8 million, about 160 million pesos, which aligns with Sevilla’s strategy of cost-effective signings. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul is expected to pursue Agustín Palavecino from Necaxa, which could add to their roster.

The Apertura 2025 begins on July 11, and it remains to be seen if Nicolás Larcamón’s team can dethrone Toluca as champions.