The Mexican league has been shopping in MLS ahead of the first week of the Clausura 2024.
Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaJoe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Jan 5th, 2024 12:05 EST
AP / FC Cincinnati / Marcelo Ruiz / EFE
A few seasons ago, MLS was turning heads as it set its sights on Mexican soccer to sign the top talent in the league. Liga MX players such as Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Alan Pulido and Raúl Ruidiaz all left over this period, giving the American game the upper hand on drawing in the elite players of the continent.
However, things seem to have taken an unexpected turn and the roles have been reversed: ahead of the Clausura 2024, it is now the Mexican clubs who are scoping out the best talent in the USA’s growing first division.
🚨 EXCLUSIVA @FOXSportsMX: el Guadalajara está negociando la llegada de Cade Cowell a partir de este 2024.🇺🇸🇲🇽 El mexicoamericano es una de las opciones principales de Fernando Hierro para @Chivas en este mercado. Pláticas en marcha desde hace días.➡️ Detalles aquí:… pic.twitter.com/V5fLOovQJ9
— Rodrigo Camacho (@rodrigocamacho_) January 4, 2024
Chicharito set for Chivas switch
The most recent case seems to be the imminent return of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez to Chivas de Guadalajara. After playing for LA Galaxy since 2020, the former Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United striker, looks set to return to the side that saw him emerge as a professional player.
But Chicharito is not the only MLS player that Liga MX clubs have in mind, as Brandon Vázquez, Rayados de Monterrey’s new signing from Supporters Shield champion FC Cincinnati, also stands out as a surprise deal that has come to fruition.
Another case that to add to the list of departing MLS talent is the USMYT international of Mexican descent, Cade Cowell, who is reportedly close to joining Chivas.
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Hernández, 35, has played for LA Galaxy since 2020.
Which other players are linked with moves away from MLS?
In addition to the aforementioned trio, there are other talented MLS players who are wanted by Mexican teams for this Clausura 2024 campaign.
Among them is Denis Bouanga, who was of interest to Tigres. However, his high market value complicated a deal for the LAFC striker to the university squad.
