The dream of another European-inspired blockbuster in Liga MX has evaporated after Cruz Azul failed to secure the signing of Luka Jovic. Negotiations between the two parties dragged on longer than desired and are now practically dead in the water.
That is according to TUDN reporter Adrián Esparza Oteo. The problem, beyond the financial arrangements, is that Cruz Azul still can’t free up a foreign player slot which means the club effectively has no room for more reinforcements.
Cruz Azul to take a chance with the squad it has
Esparza Oteo adds that there is no plan B for Cruz Azul to integrate another forward, the problem is the same, it has all of its nine “Not Formed in Mexico” (NFM) spots occupied and must first think about freeing up space, before trying to reinforce the attacking area as requested by the strategist Nicolás Larcamón himself, despite having Ángel Sepúlveda, Georgios Giakoumakis and Gabriel Fernández in the position.
Note that due to his injury, Gabriel Fernández is not registered with the first team.
If there’s no suitable transfer destination for players like Giakoumakis and Fernández—who the club has been trying to move—both will remain fully committed to the project now led by Larcamón.
Expectations are high under his leadership, as the team is set to compete not only in the Leagues Cup and the Liga MX’s Apertura 2025 season, but also in the Intercontinental Cup this December.