Club América’s $20 million waste of money
América dug deep for two players who have failed to live up to expectations. Kevin Álvarez and Erick Sánchez have underperformed.
Club América is going through a rough stretch in the Clausura 2026. The loss in the Clásico Nacional hit hard in Coapa. Kevin Álvarez has consistently been one of the players most criticized by fans, and now Erick Sánchez has joined him in the spotlight. Both former Pachuca standouts have fallen short of expectations - especially given the hefty investment América’s front office made to bring them in.
Between Álvarez and Sánchez, América spent a combined $20 million. The big winner in all this was Pachuca, the club that developed, debuted, and ultimately sold both players for top dollar after they shone with Los Tuzos. At the time, both signings looked promising, but as the months have gone by, neither player has truly settled in with Las Águilas.
Álvarez becomes boo-boy target
In July 2023, América paid $12 million (according to Transfermarkt) to acquire Álvarez. The right back arrived in Coapa with enormous upside: he had been a star at Pachuca and even made Mexico’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar.
Álvarez’s stint with América, however, has gone from strong to shaky. His level hasn’t matched expectations, and injuries haven’t helped. To date, he has appeared in 107 matches for the club, starting 81 of them and contributing five goals and 10 assists.
Despite ranking among the most valuable players on the current roster (valued at $8 million by Transfermarkt), he has also become the most heavily booed player by the fanbase.
Sánchez still hasn’t taken off at América
A year later, América returned to La Bella Airosa for another Pachuca talent. In July 2024, Las Águilas paid $10 million (per Transfermarkt) for Sánchez. “Chiquito” arrived as one of the top midfielders in Liga MX, but he hasn’t been able to replicate that form with América.
So far, he has logged 71 appearances for the club, though he hasn’t been a consistent starter - only 52 of those matches were in Jardine’s XI. Offensively, he has produced six goals and three assists. This tournament, he’ll be fighting for minutes with Raphael Veiga, América’s high‑profile signing for the Clausura 2026.
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