Who are the best foreign signings ahead of Liga MX Apertura 2023?

With two days to go until the Apertura 2023 tournament gets underway, some clubs have done more eye-catching transfer business than others.

Cruz Azul far busier than other Liga MX giants

As things stand, Cruz Azul have brought in the most foreign signings; indeed, the Mexico City side have reached the Liga MX’s cap on overseas players.

Perhaps because they have been more concerned with bringing in a new head coach during the off-season period, América are yet to make a transfer-market splash by bringing in a major overseas recruit.

Defending Liga MX champions Tigres are in the same boat, as are Monterrey, who finished the Clausura 2023 regular season top of the standings.

Castaño catches the eye

Of the foreign purchases made by Cruz Azul, the most exciting is Kevin Castaño. Described by La Máquina as a “Colombian gem”, the 22-year-old midfielder has international caps to his name and is one of his country’s brightest prospects.

Meanwhile, Toluca have signed Robert Morales from Paraguayans Cerro Porteño. The 24-year-old forward, who had so far spent his entire career at the 34-time champions of Paraguay, scored 30 goals and supplied six assists in his 74 appearances for the Asunción club.

At Pumas, who are out to end a run of two tournaments without making the postseason, it is hoped that the arrival of Argentine defender Lisandro Magallán will bolster a leaky backline. Los Universitarios conceded 32 times in the Clausura 2023 - the league’s third-worst defensive record.

When does the Apertura 2023 kick off?

The Liga MX’s Apertura 2023 tournament gets underway on Friday 30 June, when Club América host Juárez in the campaign opener at the Estadio Azteca. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 7pm local time in the Mexican capital (9pm ET).