Who is Júnior Alonso, the defender being targeted by Club América?

Although Club América currently have one of the most solid defences in Mexico’s Apertura 2023 tournament - Las Águilas have conceded eight in six games - injuries are starting to take their toll on André Jardine’s backline.

Alonso to boost América defence?

With Israel Reyes and Néstor Araujo both enduring spells on the sidelines, América are considering bolstering their defensive options with the signing of Júnior Alonso, an experienced Paraguayan defender who currently plays in Russia for Krasnodar.

Alonso, 30, began his career in 2013 with 34-time Paraguayan champions Cerro Porteño. Within eight months of his debut, Alonso’s consistent displays had helped the Asunción team to the Clausura 2013 title. Cerro Porteño finished that campaign unbeaten, letting in just 16 goals.

Spells in Russia, France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil

Alonso’s performances earned him a move to Europe in summer 2017, when he was snapped up by Ligue 1 club Lille. He joined LaLiga outfit Celta Vigo on loan a year later, before returning to South America to sign for Argentinian giants Boca Juniors on a temporary deal in 2019.

A permanent switch to Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro followed in 2020, before the defender made the move to Krasnodar at the start of 2022.

Left Russia amid war, but now back at Krasnodar

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Alonso opted to rejoin Atlético Mineiro on loan the following month. He has since returned to Krasnodar, and has been ever-present so far in the 2023/24 Russian Premier League season. With seven games played, his side are undefeated and top of the table.

A full Paraguay international since 2013, Alonso has won 48 caps for his country, scoring two goals.