LIGA MX
Palermo Ortiz close to Juárez switch
The player’s relationship with Pumas has reached its conclusion. He is en route to Ciudad Juárez where he will begin the next stage of his career.
As far as Pumas coaching staff are concerned, there are no plans to include Arturo Ortiz in the squad for the upcoming Clausura 2024 tournament. The player’s next destination within the Liga MX will be Juárez, which will become the third club of his playing career.
On his personal Instagram account, Palermo Ortiz published a self portrait taken in the Pumas training complex, with the caption: “Just like the first day... eternally grateful”. A message that suggests that he will leave the university club just one week before the new tournament begins. The 31-year-old centre-back is ironing out the last details to finalize his transfer.
According to TUDN, Ortiz travelled to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua on Friday night to close his signing with Juárez. It brings to an end a two and a half year-spell as a player for Club Universidad Nacional where he played just nine matches in the Apertura 2023. During his time at the club, he made a total of 77 appearances and scored five goals.
Edged out by summer arrivals
The arrivals of Nathan Silva and Lisandro Magallán last summer ensured that Palermo lost prominence in the Pumas defence. That was reflected in his playing time - totalling just over 400 minutes in the last tournament, compared to previous competitions in which he was a fundamental part of the starting XI.
Juárez will be his third destination as a professional, following his stints with León and Pumas. In the lower leagues, he played for clubs such as Coras, Mineros, Leones Negros, Correcaminos, Pumas Tabasco and Raya2.
When is Pumas’ first Clausura 2024 game?
Pumas get their Clausura 2024 campaign underway at home to Juárez on Sunday 14 January, with the game at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.