Liga MX

Matías Almeyda lays down demands as Monterrey and Cruz Azul battle for his Liga MX return

The Argentine coach, who led Chivas to a Liga MX title, has been heavily linked with a move back to Mexico after leaving Sevilla.

Toni Rodriguez

Marcos Olvera Roddy Cons

Update: Apr 30th, 2026 11:56 EDT

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Mexico’s summer transfer window does not officially open until July, but Liga MX is already heating up, with several familiar names linked to a return. One of the biggest: Matías Almeyda.

The Argentine coach, who led Chivas to a Liga MX title, is now at the center of a growing tug-of-war between two of Mexico’s biggest clubs.

Matías Almeyda lays down demands as Monterrey and Cruz Azul battle for his Liga MX return — Almeyda won five trophies, including the Clausura 2017 title, with Chivas. ISAAC ORTIZ

Monterrey and Cruz Azul target Almeyda return

Monterrey is currently without a permanent head coach following Doménec Torrent’s departure and Nicolás Sánchez’s interim stint. The club has identified Almeyda as a leading candidate to take over.

But Monterrey is not alone.

Cruz Azul has also entered the race to bring back “El Pelado,” adding another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most closely watched coaching pursuits.

Salary demands could decide the deal

According to El Universal, Almeyda has already made his stance clear to both clubs: any return to Liga MX will hinge on financial terms.

In short, he wants to become the highest-paid coach in Mexican soccer.

Cruz Azul has reportedly made contact with the Argentine, who laid out his expectations. Almeyda is seeking a salary of $5 million per year, a figure that would comfortably surpass the league’s current benchmark.

Who is Liga MX’s highest-paid coach?

That distinction currently belongs to Toluca manager Antonio Mohamed, who earns an estimated $4 million annually.

Known as “El Turco,” Mohamed has Toluca competing on multiple fronts, including the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals and the Clausura 2026 playoffs. His success has only strengthened his reputation, and he has also been linked as a potential candidate for Cruz Azul.

Different realities for Monterrey and Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul is heading into the Liguilla with momentum, while Monterrey’s season has already come to an end after falling short across the 17-game regular season.

That contrast could play a role in Almeyda’s decision, though ultimately, it may come down to which club is willing to meet his record-setting salary demands.