Paunovic, Giakoumakis and Pachuca against Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul had seemed set to make Luka Jovic their marquee signing for the Apertura 2025, but the former Real Madrid star may now be heading elsewhere.
The story isn’t over yet, but the final pages are coming into view. Just a few weeks ago, Luka Jovic looked destined to become Cruz Azul’s marquee signing - a blockbuster move for Liga MX. The stars seemed to align, and reports from Europe suggested it was only a matter of time before the Serbian striker donned the sky-blue jersey.
But in recent days, the tide has turned dramatically against La Máquina. Talks have stalled, and two key obstacles now threaten to derail the club’s pursuit of a forward with a résumé that includes stints at Real Madrid, AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Benfica.
Jovic poised for LaLiga return?
In a surprising twist, Jovic has gone from being Cruz Azul’s top target to the preferred signing of none other than Real Oviedo. The Spanish side, recently promoted to LaLiga and owned by Mexico’s Grupo Pachuca, is now pushing hard to land the free-agent striker.
Adding intrigue to the story is the presence of Veljko Paunovic on the Oviedo bench. The Serbian manager, well known in Mexican soccer circles for his time with Chivas Guadalajara and Tigres, has personally requested Jovic’s signing. It’s a move that could reunite two compatriots in a new chapter on Spanish soil - and early signs suggest the deal is gaining traction.
Giakoumakis also a Jovic stumbling block
Meanwhile, Cruz Azul’s hopes are further complicated by the situation surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Greek striker has reportedly thrown up roadblocks to his departure, and the club has yet to find him a new team. As a result, they’ve been unable to free up a foreign player slot - an essential step if they want to bring Jovic aboard.
According to multiple reports, Giakoumakis has now missed three straight training sessions at La Noria and is no longer in the team’s plans. There is, however, a glimmer of hope: Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer is said to be showing interest. If a deal materializes, it could open the door for Cruz Azul to reignite their pursuit of Jovic.
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