LIGA MX
Why will Nicolás Ibáñez have to wait to make his Tigres debut?
Nicolás Ibáñez has joined Tigres from fellow Liga MX side Pachuca but will have to wait to make his debut.
Things had gone a little quiet, but Tigres have finally confirmed the signing of Nicolás Ibáñez from fellow Liga MX club Pachuca, with the Argentinian striker joining the club on a four-year contract and set to become André Pierre-Gignac’s new partner in attack.
Ibáñez arrived in Monterrey on Monday morning but didn’t complete his medical until Tuesday. 24 hours later, the forward trained with his new Auriazul teammates for the first time.
The Argentine links up with Tigres having scored 35 goals in 60 appearances for Pachuca, 11 of which propelled Los Tuzos to the Apertura 2022 title and saw him finish top goalscorer in the competition.
When will Nicolás Ibáñez make his debut for Tigres?
Ibáñez’s debut for his new club will, however, have to be put on hold. Tigres have now surpassed their quota of foreign players, as Uruguayan midfielder Fernando Gorriarán has also joined from Santos Laguna. The club board, led by Mauricio Culebro, will therefore have to decide which other foreign player will be released before Ibañez can play, with Frenchman Florian Thauvin the most likely candidate.
Diego Cocca’s men take on Tijuana at Estadio Caliente on Friday in matchday three of the Clausura 2023.
Nicolás Ibáñez’s emotional goodbye to Pachuca
Ibáñez leaves Pachuca after two successful years and left the Tuzos supporters an emotional message before moving on to pastures new:
“Today I say goodbye to an incredible club, which is an institution. To the club that has won the most trophies in the 21st century. To a place and to people who gave everything to make sure I could live out my dreams and win the Mexican title, as well be the top goalscorer in the Apertura 2022. The love and respect I have for this club will never change. Thank you to each and every fan for the affection you’ve shown me during my time here. I’ll be forever grateful.”