Liga MX

Luka Jovic’s proposed move to Cruz Azul hits the rocks

Negotiations between the capital club and the Serbian striker have come to a complete standstill.

Milan (Italy), 01/01/2024.- AC Milan'Äôs forward Luka Jovic celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Coppa Italia soccer match between AC Miland and Cagliari Calcio, in Milan, Italy, 02 January 2024. (Italia) EFE/EPA/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
Ciudad de México Update:

The dream of another European-inspired blockbuster in Liga MX has evaporated after Cruz Azul failed to secure the signing of Luka Jovic. Negotiations between the two parties dragged on longer than desired and are now practically dead in the water.

That is according to TUDN reporter Adrián Esparza Oteo. The problem, beyond the financial arrangements, is that Cruz Azul still can’t free up a foreign player slot which means the club effectively has no room for more reinforcements.

Cruz Azul to take a chance with the squad it has

Esparza Oteo adds that there is no plan B for Cruz Azul to integrate another forward, the problem is the same, it has all of its nine “Not Formed in Mexico” (NFM) spots occupied and must first think about freeing up space, before trying to reinforce the attacking area as requested by the strategist Nicolás Larcamón himself, despite having Ángel Sepúlveda, Georgios Giakoumakis and Gabriel Fernández in the position.

Luka Jovic’s proposed move to Cruz Azul hits the rocks
Nicolas Larcamon head coach of Cruz Azul during the 2nd round match between Atlas and Cruz Azul as part of the Liga BBVA MX, Torneo Apertura 2025 at Jalisco Stadium, on July 19, 2025 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.Carlos Zepeda

Foreigner players currently registered with Cruz Azul in 2025

  • Kevin Mier
  • Willer Ditta
  • Gonzalo Piovi
  • Mateusz Bogusz
  • Lorenzo Faravelli
  • Ignacio Rivero
  • José Paradela
  • Carlos Rotondi
  • Georgios Giakoumakis

Note that due to his injury, Gabriel Fernández is not registered with the first team.

If there’s no suitable transfer destination for players like Giakoumakis and Fernándezwho the club has been trying to move—both will remain fully committed to the project now led by Larcamón.

Expectations are high under his leadership, as the team is set to compete not only in the Leagues Cup and the Liga MX’s Apertura 2025 season, but also in the Intercontinental Cup this December.

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