Cruz Azul defender Ramiro Funes Mori could return to River Plate
Funes Mori’s Cruz Azul contract expires in six months’ time, and reports in his native Argentina say River are out to re-sign the centre-back.
Ramiro Funes Mori has endured a disappointing spell at Cruz Azul, injury restricting the Argentinian defender to only a handful of appearances in the Liga MX’s Apertura 2022 tournament. With six months left on his contract with the Mexican club, it seems a move away may be on the cards.
River boss Demichelis reportedly keen on Funes Mori
Reports in the Argentinian media are linking Funes Mori with a return to River Plate when his Cruz Azul deal expires. River’s head coach, Martín Demichelis, is seeking to strengthen Los Millonarios’ defence and is said to be an admirer of the 31-year-old, who came through the youth set-up at the Estadio Monumental.
It should be noted that there is still a possibility that Funes Mori could agree an extension with Cruz Azul and stay in Mexico. However, if this does not happen, he would leave the nine-time Mexican champions as a free agent, so River would not have to pay a transfer fee.
Defender may prefer return to Argentina
The Argentinian media also points out that, after eight years away, the draw of returning to his home country could have a decisive influence on Funes Mori’s decision over his future.
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Unsuccessful spell in Mexico so far
The centre-back joined Cruz Azul from Saudi club Al Nassr in August 2022, in a deal worth $1.5 million. Capped 26 times by Argentina, he spent four years in the River first team, before moving to Europe to sign for Premier League club Everton in 2015. After leaving the Toffees for a spell in Spain with Villarreal in 2018, he then made the switch to Saudi Arabia three years later, before arriving in Mexico.
Having arrived at Cruz Azul ahead of the the Apertura 2022, Funes Mori played only eight games in the tournament: against Toluca, Tijuana, América, Monterrey, Mazatlán, León, Pumas and Chivas.