Could Cruz Azul lure Radamel Falcao from LaLiga to Liga MX?
It is being reported that Cruz Azul are targeting the signing of Rayo Vallecano’s Radamel Falcao, with Santos’ Raniel Santana as ‘plan B’.
Cruz Azul are reportedly out to lure veteran striker Radamel Falcao to the Liga MX, as La Máquina bid to win their 10th Mexican title in the Clausura 2023.
Cruz Azul hope pay hike can persuade Falcao to join
According to the journalist Nahuel Ferreira, Cruz Azul are ready to hand the Rayo Vallecano and Colombia player a pay rise to persuade him to leave LaLiga.
“Cruz Azul are dreaming of signing Radamel Falcao García,” Ferreira said on Twitter. “They’re prepared to give the forward a contract that would include an improvement on his Rayo salary.
“I understand that Falcao’s departure is negotiable [from Rayo’s point of view], but it will all come down to the former River Plate player, who is hesitant to leave Spain.”
El sueño de #CruzAzul 🇲🇽 desde hace días es Radamel Falcao García, La Máquina está dispuesto a mejorar el contrato que el delantero tiene con #RayoVallecano 🇪🇸, su salida por lo que me cuentan es negociable, pero todo dependerá del ex #River que duda en dejar España, lo dificil. pic.twitter.com/Li1g5Gndc4
— -Nahuel Ferreira- (@nahuelfutbol) January 20, 2023
If not Falcao, then who?
Ferreira also reports that Cruz Azul are targeting Santos’ Brazilian striker Raniel Santana, 26, as a back-up option in case they miss out on Falcao, 36.
“Talks are at a VERY ADVANCED stage over the signing,” the reporter says. “Santos and the player are both in agreement, but as they look to free up a foreign-player squad spot, Cruz Azul are dreaming of another No. 9 who’ll be more difficult to get and is their priority.”
Per Liga MX rules, clubs in the Mexican top flight are allowed to register no more than 10 non-homegrown players in their squad.
Hay gestiones MUY AVANZADAS para que el delantero Raniel Santana sea nuevo jugador de #CruzAzul 🇲🇽 con #Santos 🇧🇷 está todo OK, con el jugador tambien, pero La Máquina mientras busca liberar un cupo de extranjero, sueña con otro nueve (más dificil) que es prioridad por sobre el. pic.twitter.com/MCaStQ7PCa
— -Nahuel Ferreira- (@nahuelfutbol) January 20, 2023