LIGA MX
Cruz Azul sound out possible Carlos Vela deal
The Cementeros have made inquiries about the Mexican forward as a possible replacement for injury-hit ‘Toro’ Fernández.
Cruz Azul are aiming to blow up the Liga MX transfer market and secure what would be the bombshell signing of the Clausura 2024 season. The Cementeros are looking for a replacement for Toro Fernández, who who is facing at least six months on the sidelines with a ruptured ligament in his right knee. La Máquina hope to replace the Uruguayan with nothing more and nothing less than Carlos Vela. The board have made inquiries about the 34-year-old forward, although they recognize that achieving a dream deal would be highly complicated.
Vela and Cruz Azul started trending on social media in Mexico on Monday afternoon when Promofut agent José Luis Verduzco, who represents a number of players including Vela and Jorge Sánchez, published an image of a Ferris Wheel. Given this, the celestial fans began to speculate about the possible signing of the former LAFC player, a rumor that was later clarified.
Why can Cruz Azul sign one more player?
According to ESPN, Cruz Azul realize that it will be difficult to convince Vela to return home to play in Mexico although that didn’t deter them from asking about him. It is estimated that in the next few hours there will be a reply from the player. If the response is positive, negotiations will begin immediately, although the club insists that the operation is exceedingly difficult.
Vela is currently without a team as he has not renewed his contract with MLS franchise LAFC. It’s not the first time that La Máquina have expressed an interest in the player, who has been capped 72 times by Mexico - a few months ago they made an approach only to receive but received a “Thanks but no thanks” from the ex-Arsenal and Real Sociedad player.
With Gabriel Fernández’s injury, the sky blues need to fill that vacancy. Curiously, they are eligible to sign at least two players despite the fact that the market closed at the start of the month. And the Liga MX competition regulations, under Article 38, indicate that the registration closing date for international players is 9 March, so clubs can still incorporate players although the requirement is that they are free or that their contract has expired before the original deadline on 1 February.