Cruz Azul race to sign Nicolás Ibáñez before transfer window closes
The club is negotiating with Tigres UANL for the possibility of incorporating Argentine striker, Nicolás Ibáñez, hours before the market closes.
The Mexican transfer window shuts this Monday at 7:00 p.m. ET, and Cruz Azul is racing against the clock to land a major signing: Nicolás Ibáñez, the 31‑year‑old Argentine striker who is no longer in Tigres’ plans. Ibáñez has been removed from the first‑team roster and relegated to the U21 squad, making his exit all but inevitable.
According to ESPN, Cruz Azul’s front office submitted a formal offer late Sunday night to Tigres in San Nicolás de los Garza. The club has all eight of its “non‑Mexican‑trained” roster spots available, so registering Ibáñez would not pose any issues for head coach Nicolás Larcamón.
Ibáñez’s track record in Liga MX
Ibáñez has played for Atlético San Luis, Pachuca, and Tigres since arriving in Mexico. Across 141 matches, he has recorded: 31 goals, 10 assists and picked up three titles - the Clausura 2023, Campeón de Campeones 2022–23, and the 2023 Campeones Cup
Despite his pedigree, he has struggled to secure consistent minutes with Tigres since 2023, opening the door for a move.
Cruz Azul’s striker problem
Cruz Azul enters deadline day thin at center forward.
- Gabriel “Toro” Fernández is the only natural No. 9 on the roster, but he’s injury‑prone and currently suspended by the league’s Disciplinary Commission.
- New signing Christian Ebere looked more comfortable playing out wide in his debut.
- Youngsters Bryan Gamboa and Mateo Levy are options, though Levy isn’t even registered with the first team.
That leaves Cruz Azul in urgent need of a proven striker—and Ibáñez fits the profile perfectly.
With the clock ticking toward Monday evening’s deadline, all eyes are on whether La Máquina can close the deal in time.
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