After excelling in MLS, this Argentinian star may now be headed for Liga MX
Cruz Azul are working to complete the $6m signing of a forward who promises to bring attacking flair and tactical flexibility.
Cruz Azul are once again targeting the signing of FC Cincinnati forward Luca Orellano, one of the standout players in Major League Soccer last season.
According to the Argentinian journalist Germán García Grova, talks are at an advanced stage, with the Liga MX club preparing to pay the winger’s more than $6 million buyout fee.
A star performer for Cincinnati
Orellano has become a key player for Cincinnati, who exercised their option to buy the 25-year-old from Vasco da Gama in December 2024, after a successful spell on loan from the Brazilian club.
The Argentinian’s performances throughout the 2024 season were outstanding. In 42 appearances in all competitions, he registered 12 goals and five assists for the Orange and Blue.
What’s more, Orellano was selected for the MLS All-Star Game, was a finalist for the Newcomer of the Year award, and scored the Goal of the Year with an impressive long-range free-kick.
🚨#CruzAzul tiene negociaciones muy avanzadas por Luca Orellano.
— Germán García Grova (@GerGarciaGrova) May 21, 2025
👉🏾El club 🇲🇽 trabaja en la ejecución de la cláusula del delantero 🇦🇷 que milita en #Cincinatti pic.twitter.com/kOqdJv0pRy
Cruz Azul make renewed approach after failed bid
In the last transfer window, Cincinnati had already rejected a Cruz Azul bid of close to $6 million, clearly indicating the value the Ohioans place on the former Vélez Sarsfield and Vasco da Gama player.
However, the nine-time Mexican champions are now ready to meet the MLS club’s asking price.
What kind of player is Luca Orellano?
If Orellano’s arrival in Mexico City is confirmed, Cruz Azul will be adding a fast, dynamic forward with an abundance of natural talent and attacking flair.
A player who also offers tactical flexibility, given his ability to operate in a number of positions, his signing would represent a statement of the club’s ambitions for the tournament ahead.
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