Liga MX

So near, yet so far: The Cruz Azul signings that never happened

From Diego Forlán to Radamel Falcao, these big-name targets came close but ultimately slipped through La Máquina’s hands.

KEVIN DIETSCH

Javier Cardoso Roddy Cons

Ciudad de México Update: Jan 23rd, 2026 08:23 EST

Over the years, Cruz Azul has come close to landing several high-profile players, only for those moves to collapse at the last moment. La Máquina has a long list of near-misses that still spark debate among fans.

The most recent case involves Colombian striker Miguel Borja. He arrived in Mexico City on Dec. 28 of last year, a date known locally as Día de los Santos Inocentes, roughly equivalent to April Fools’ Day in the United States. The timing fueled speculation and jokes, but the situation appeared serious. Borja was widely expected to join Cruz Azul. Nearly a month later, the deal fell apart.

That outcome was nothing new for the club. In the past, players such as Matheus Doria, Lucas Cavallini and Mauro “El Mudo” Aguirre were also linked with Cruz Azul before talks broke down. Below are some of the most notable names who never reached an agreement with the club based at La Noria.

So near, yet so far: The Cruz Azul signings that never happened — Miguel Borja's move to Cruz Azul has fallen through. Jorge Martinez

Diego Forlán

During a visit to Mexico City in 2020, Diego Forlán, one of the standout players of the 2010 World Cup, admitted that Cruz Azul had once been an option as he considered the next step in his career. Club América, Cruz Azul, Monarcas Morelia and Santos Laguna all inquired about his availability. In the end, the Uruguayan forward chose different paths, continuing his career in Brazil and Japan instead of Liga MX.

Luka Jovic

Serbian striker Luka Jovic, formerly of Real Madrid, was on Cruz Azul’s radar last year. The club’s leadership explored the possibility, but the move never materialized and remained only a hypothetical scenario. Ultimately, Cruz Azul settled for a different attacking mix, bringing in Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis and Uruguayan striker Gabriel “Toro” Fernández to share the goal-scoring duties.

Radamel Falcao

Colombian star Radamel Falcao, a veteran of Europe’s top leagues, was also pursued by advisors connected to Cruz Azul. Several factors worked against the move. His age raised concerns, his physical condition was questioned, and his price tag proved too steep. Those hurdles combined to keep El Tigre from ever wearing the blue shirt.

Wason Rentería

Another Colombian forward, Wason Rentería, known by the nickname “El Guasón,” turned into a cautionary tale for Cruz Azul. He arrived in Mexico already injured and trained with the team despite his condition. No agreement was reached, largely because of the injury. The situation worsened when Cruz Azul later had to pay as part of a legal dispute related to the failed move.

Martín Arzuaga

Between 2005 and 2006, Martín Arzuaga also came close to signing with Cruz Azul. As with Rentería, injury issues ultimately blocked the transfer, preventing him from joining La Máquina.

Now, with the Miguel Borja deal officially off the table, the questions are piling up. Does Cruz Azul have a Plan B lined up to replace him, or will the club be forced into a last-minute panic signing as the window winds down?