5 free agents available before Liga MX window shuts
Liga MX transfer window remains open until Sept. 5
Camilo Sanvezzo was claimed off the salvage heap by Mazatlán FC this past week, but there are still a few recognizable names among the free agents available until the Liga MX transfer window closes in early September.
Sanvezzo was released by the Xolos in June after failing to live up to the reputation he had earned while at Querétaro where he scored 53 goals during his five-year stint with the Gallos Blancos. The Brazilian striker came off the bench Saturday night and immediately ignited a spark, nearly helping his new club defeat the visiting Pumas.
The Pumas, FC Juárez and América went abroad to add to their rosters this month (UNAM nabbed Uruguayan midfielder Facundo Waller, the Bravos inked Marco Fabián, while the Aguilas poached Sergio Díaz from Real Madrid), but other Liga MX teams need not look so far and wide.
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Here are five potential targets to be had right here at home for any team looking to bolster depth before Matchday 8.
1. Jair Pereira, defender
The 34-year-old might not be a 90-minute man anymore, but he could prove useful to a contender that might be looking for insurance at the back down the stretch. There was speculation that the Chivas might bring back their former skipper as he played at Querétaro under Víctor Manuel Vucetich, the new Guadalajara coach. That seems unlikely as “El Rebaño Sagrado” has decent depth on the back line. The Tigres might consider a look if they continue to have trouble on their last line of defense.
2. Javier Cortés, midfielder/winger
The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist is without a club after Atlético de San Luis decided not to extend his contract. The shifty playmaker was often criticized for lacking fitness during the prime of his career (a la Chivas enigma “Chofis” López) and he’s 31 now, but if he is motivated he could be a decent option for late-game offensive requirements. Cortés has three Liga MX titles under his belt already so his passing skills and playoff experience could pay off for a wildcard team such as Toluca or Puebla.
3. Angelo Sagal, forward
The Chilean spent the past year on loan to FC Juárez but did not convince the Bravos sufficiently, so he was returned to Pachuca. However, the Tuzos did not renew his contract. The 27-year-old can play anywhere across the front line (center forward and wing) but his productivity has been in decline since his first year in Pachuca back in 2017-2018. Sagal’s versatility off the bench could be a bonus for a team looking to generate more offense. Are you listening Xolos?
4. Diego “Puma” Chávez, forward
The troubled native of Veracruz was released by Necaxa for a variety of indiscretions in the preseason (he showed up for practice with alcohol on his breath, flaked out on scheduled meetings with trainers in the early stages of the Covid-19 lockdown and tested positive for marijuana). So it’s understandable that teams might shy away from him. But the 25-year-old from a tough neighborhood in Veracruz city has shown resilience throughout his career. Maybe his former Necaxa coach “Memo” Vázquez – now at Atlético de San Luis – could straighten him out and squeeze some offensive magic out of him.
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5. Luis Madrigal, striker
The hulking forward saw his loan to Necaxa come to an end but Monterrey did not take him back. Always a bridesmaid and never the bride, Madrigal never fulfilled the potential the Rayados saw in him when the gave him a debut as an 18-year-old back in 2011. Now 27, Madrigal would be most useful as a late-game sub when a team is looking for a goal off set pieces. What say you, Bravos?