Monterrey targets MLS scoring star Hugo Cuypers as Matías Almeyda builds a title contender

Monterrey isn’t slowing down. After prying Diego Rossi away from the Columbus Crew and kicking off the Matías Almeyda era with momentum, Rayados have gone fishing in MLS again — this time for one of the league’s most lethal scorers.

The club is close to sealing a deal for Hugo Cuypers, the Belgian striker who’s been lighting up MLS and currently leads the league’s scoring charts.

Some sources claim a three-year deal has been agreed with the Liga MX club set to pay Chicago Fire an $8 million fee for the striker.

Cuypers: the MLS goal machine

Before Robert Lewandowski’s arrival threatened to reduce his minutes, Cuypers had already racked up 13 goals, one more than Lionel Messi and Croatian international Petar Musa.

His résumé goes beyond MLS. In Belgium, he dominated the 2022–23 season with 20 goals for Gent, finishing as the league’s top scorer.

Across his career, Cuypers has amassed 143 goals and 42 assists, according to Transfermarkt. At 29 years old, he’s eager to bring his experience — and his scoring instincts — to Liga MX.

Almeyda stays patient but optimistic

Ahead of Monterrey’s match against Santos, Almeyda — newly appointed and already a central figure in Rayados’ rebuild — addressed the potential arrivals of Cuypers and Orbelín Pineda.

“First we have to wait for it to be finalized. If players with hierarchy arrive, players who stand out and are recognized, that will bring competition and quality to the group,”said the Argentine coach.

When could Cuypers debut?

Monterrey visits Necaxa on Sunday, July 26 in Matchday 2 of the Apertura 2026. Cuypers is unlikely to feature in that game.

His debut would most likely come in Matchday 3, when Rayados face Atlas — giving Almeyda a fresh attacking weapon as Monterrey pushes to reclaim its status as a title favorite.

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