7 Key Transfers for the Apertura Grita Mexico 2021

With the Gold Cup fiasco behind us, and El Tri’s loss in their quest for Olympic Gold, Mexican soccer fans can now turn their focus fully on Liga MX, now in its third week of play. This past season is one we will remember for a long time, because after 23 years, Cruz Azul was finally able to break the curse and was crowned champion on the Estadio Azteca´s pitch. But now, there is a new chapter to write with the Apertura Grita Mexico 2021 tournament, where we have seen some really exciting transfers with a lot of potential. The question here is, which ones will generate the most impact on their new teams? These are our predictions:

• 7. Héctor Moreno (Al-Gharafa -> Monterrey) – The Mexican World Cup defender decided to return to Mexico after a successful pass through Europe and Asia. He spent time at Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Roma, PSV and AZ Alkmaar, in the last of these in which he won the Eredivisie. He should help bolster Monterrey’s defense this tournament as they go for glory.

• 6. Esteban Andrada (Boca Juniors -> Monterrey) – Andrada received the honor of being Best Goalkeeper of the Superliga Argentina in 2019, earning himeself a call up to the Argentine National Team. He accumulated 1,129 minutes without conceding a goal, setting a record for most minutes without receiving a goal in the history of Argentine football. He is another key addition for Monterrey’s defense as they battle for the title.

• 5. Miguel Layún (Monterrey -> America) – 7 years after leaving the club, the return of Layun is one of the most surprising transfers this Apertura 2021.  The Mexican defender will have to reinforce the back sides of America after the departure of players like Luis Reyes and Escoboza. Layun arrives after a brief but successful stint with Monterrey, where he won a Liga MX title, Copa MX and CONCACAF Champions League.

• 4. Joel Campbell (Leon -> Monterrey) – The Costa Rican striker, who won the championship with Leon in 2020, is yet another strong addition for Monterrey. Clearly, “Rayados” means business this season and they’ve shown that with their summer transfers.

• 3. Nicolas Ibañez (Atletico San Luis -> Pachuca) – Managing to score 10 goals this last tournament with a team that stayed in 17th place is worthy of recognition. Now, after that success, the Argentine will look for a new challenge with Pachuca. Fortunately for him, he’ll have the backing of a team more well equipped to challenge for the title.

• 2. Santiago Ormeño (Puebla -> Leon) – The outstanding performance Ormeño had last season allowed him to debut with the Peruvian National Team this Copa America and has now brought him to Leon, this past tournament’s runner-up. Los Panzas Verdes want a rematch at the trophy and are looking for the striker to repeat his 10 goals scored in the Guard1anes 2021, and then some. He should be a great boost for an offense that lost Joel Campbell.

• 1. Florian Thauvin (Olympique de Marseille -> Tigres) – The French footballer, who was part of the 2018 World Cup Championship team, will follow in the footsteps of fellow compatriot André-Pierre Gignac and make the move to northern Mexico. In similar fashion, he is also  transferring from Olympique de Marseille to Tigres for this tournament. Florian notched 8 goals and 10 assists last season with a Marseille squad that remained in 5th place in the French league. He was a key player for them,  having the most key passes and chances created for the club, something that Tigres will want him to repeat with them this year. Now that his participation in the Olympics has concluded, Tigres fans will look for him to be an immediate impact for them and Liga MX fans will be curious to see if all the hype over Thauvin was real.

So, what do you think? Let us know who you think was the best signing this tournament.