LIGA MX
Will Rogelio Funes Mori play for Monterrey in the Liga MX Clausura 2024 tournament?
The Argentine-born Mexico international has won one league title and two CONCACAF Champions Leagues since joining Rayados in 2015.
Rogelio Funes Mori’s time with Liga MX side Monterrey could be about to end, according to Rayados Sporting Chairman José Antonio Noriega, who has stated the striker may not sign a new contract.
Although Noriega confirmed the 32-year-old still has six months left on his current deal, he also revealed he is for sale to the highest bidder, with Grêmio, who recently lost Luis Suárez to Inter Miami, having already failed to convince him to move to Brazil.
Rayados open to selling Funes Mori
“Rogelio is a special player. He still has a contract to see out and we’re assessing whether to extend it in six months’ time. Rogelio is under contract, he is part of ours plans, but he has some offers on the table and if an agreement is reached...it’s as simple as that.
“I want to be very clear - he’s an important figure at the club, our all-time top goalscorer. We’ve tried to express that Rogelio has the chance to accept an offer that comes in for him and to continue his career by having a new experience somewhere else,” Noriega explained in a press conference.
Striker rejects Grêmio move
“We have had some firm offers, one of them was from Grêmio. We were open to accepting it and told Rogelio that, but he decided not to take it. He will decide if an offer comes in that suits him. We’re waiting.”
The former Mexico midfielder also stated there would be a deadline for a decision to be made about Funes Mori’s future, with a list of potential replacements of different nationalities already drawn up.
Aguirre may leave to make way for new forward
“We’re thinking about bringing in another centre-forward, which will be linked to who leaves the club. There has also been interest in Rodrigo Aguirre. Whether and when something happens depends on whether we can sign another striker and the position we are in.
“We are looking at different options, both in Mexico and abroad. Everything depends on how negotiations go and which players leave. Right now, I can’t confirm anything, but both options are on the table.”
Born in Argentina but granted Mexican citizenship in 2021, Funes Mori has scored 160 goals in all competitions for Monterrey, a tally which he may not add to further.
Rojas and Jona to leave Monterrey, Alfonso González to stay
Noriega also revealed Ecuadorian Joao Rojas and fellow midfielder Jonathan González would be leaving the club.
“We have spoken with them and they have been told that they can leave. We are looking at the options that could be on the table for them and will work accordingly. Joao’s departure will give us room to sign a player who plays in any position.”
Rumours have also linked Alonfso González with a transfer away from Rayados, but Noriega insists he will be staying put despite interest from a number of parties.