Cruz Azul chasing Toluca pair Volpi and Marcel Ruíz

The Liga MX rumor mill is now in full gear and one of the more interesting claims concerned Cruz Azul’s reported interest in signing Tiago Volpi. Given Sebstián Jurado’s imminent departure to Juárez, La Máquina will need to bring in a replacement and the Brazilian goalkeeper would be an ideal fit. However, the chances of securing the veteran keeper (Volpi will turn 33 later this month) are slim to nonexistent as Toluca have no plans to sell him.

Toluca sports director Santiago San Román confirmed during Renato Paiva’s presentation as new coach at the weekend that both Tiago Volpi and midfielder Marcel Ruiz are not for sale.

He explained, “It’s very difficult when a player has a contract in force with the club. First of all, it’s a distraction for the player, it takes away all perspective, it affects focus and these rumors start to circulate and get out of hand. Of course, we can’t control that, we cannot control the future and we cannot control the desire of other institutions. What we can control is putting together the right means and environment to have a highly competitive team and a team that can fight to finish in the top positions. Both Tiago and Marcel are fundamental players for the club and, with great respect, the offers are not on Twitter... As of today, there are no offers and we are not expecting any to come out either”.

When does Clausura 2024 start?

The next Liga MX tournament will begin on 12 January. That leaves little over a month for all of the top flight teams to plan their squads ahead of the new season.