The European Nightmare
Every player’s dream is to play in Europe, and now more than ever, young Mexican players are getting the opportunity to leap to the old continent. However, most are struggling to make an impact or even get on the field. Aside from Jimenez and Corona, most Mextranjeros European dream is slowly becoming a nightmare. With a new World Cup cycle right around the corner, playing time is crucial to their hopes of making the team. So, with that in mind, would a move benefit certain players? For the next five, it might.
Edson Alvarez
Alvarez left Coapa for an Ajax team coming off an amazing run in last year’s Champions League and hoped to make an impact. After a good start, Edson has struggled to find time on the pitch. This season he has only played in 10/21 games and has been part of the starting 11 only 24% of the time. At only 22 years of age Edson still has plenty of time and the talent to assert himself as a solid player for Ajax. If playing time is what is needed though, where should Alvarez go? The easy answer is a return to the nest of America. With the departure of Guido, Las Aguilas need to fill a need in their midfield that Alvarez can easily fill. In this case, it’s still too early to call, Edson should stay with Ajax and continue to develop.
Verdict: Europe
Hirving Lozano
El Chucky was a hot commodity in Europe after a solid showing with PSV. His record transfer to Napoli seemed to be the move that would solidify Lozano in Europe but that hasn’t been the case. Napoli surprisingly dismissed Carlo Ancelotti midway through the season in favor of Italian legend Genaro Gattuso. Chucky had played in 15/22 games and been in the starting 11 36% of the time, but under Gattuso has been glued to the bench when he is on the team sheet at all. While Gattuso continually praises El Chucky, his lack of playing time is a concern. So what should be Lozano’s next move? El Chucky should look for a move to the Bundesliga. His $44 million market value may be a huge bump in any move, but a loan to Bundesliga teams like RB Leipzig, Schalke, or even Borrusia would benefit Lozano greatly.
Verdict: Europe
Diego Lainez
Another gem from the America Cantera, Lainez moved to Real Betis as a teen in a surprising move. Since the dream move, Lainez has had a nightmare in Spain seeing the field in only 10/22 games. When he does see the field, Diego has shown his talent and has improved Betis performances, but that hasn’t been enough to secure a spot on the team. With a transfer fee of only $11 million, a summer move might be on the horizon. Where should he go? Again the Bundesliga is a viable option, coaches in Germany have no issue playing young players, and with an imminent sale for Kai Havertz looming, Bayer Leverkusen will need a young playmaker.
Verdict: Europe
Erick Gutierrez
Gutierrez followed his fellow Pachuca canterano to PSV in 2018. He has at times shown signs of brilliance and at times struggled with consistency. Lately, Erick has struggled to get on the field only participating in 13/21 games. While he has been on the starting 11 43% of the time, consistency has been an issue. El Tata has constantly called up Gutierrez for International duty, but with competition in El Tri’s midfield getting tighter, a move for more playtime may be beneficial. Where should Gutierrez take his talents? Liga MX. America, Chivas, and if Pizarro leaves, Monterrey all have issues in their midfield that a player like Gutierrez can greatly improve and with a transfer value of $7.15 million a move will not be difficult.
Verdict: Liga MX
Hector Herrera
HH has at times been one of the best midfielders in the world (see Mexico vs Germany, World Cup 2018) and a move to Atletico Madrid seemed to justify the notion that he had outgrown the Portuguese League. While El Cholo has used Herrera constantly in the Champions League, playing in five out of six games, his usage in La Liga has only been 14/22. His involvement in the Atletico vs Liverpool matches coming up will be crucial in HH seeing the field more. If playtime continues to be an issue a move may be in the cards. Where should HH go? Again America and Chivas have issues in their midfield and if Pelaez wants to continue to make impact signings, Herrara would check all the boxes. However, in this case, a Vela like move to the MLS would be the best option. Like Vela, HH would flourish in the league and continue to help the league grow. Teams like LAFC, LA Galaxy, NYCFC, and Inter Miami would be willing to shell out the $22 million transfer fee to have him in their ranks. Tata has not shied away from calling up MLS players to El Tri so his spot will not be in jeopardy.
Verdict: MLS
