In recent weeks many reports have popped up about Mexican players leaving Liga MX to play in Europe. So far no player has left abroad but that doesn’t stop the rumor mill from flying. Specifically, Erik Lira of Cruz Azul has been linked that his move abroad is close. Let’s talk about it.
Cruz Azul fans, and Liga MX fans in general, have known about the talent Lira possesses for a long time. It was just a matter of time until the rest of the world caught up. This happened thanks to the World Cup where
he played an important role in the midfield. Many saw his talent in the games leading up to the summer tournament and hoped he would get a chance to play in the midfield. Everyone was pleasantly surprised when Lira was given the starting role and he took his opportunity. Lira was a big reason why Mexico scored their first goal against South Africa. It was his effort to fight for a ball that allowed Julian Quiñones to receive the ball and put it in the back of the net. He won the starting role in the midfield and his performance raised his stock abroad so it wasn’t a surprise when rumors started that the Lira was wanted in Europe.
The first big club that was rumored to want Lira was Al-Jazira of the United Arab Emirates but according to reports, the player himself rejected the offer as he only wants to play in Europe. The UAE club was willing to pay the $12MDD + $2 MDD in variables but Cruz Azul will allow Lira himself to make the final decision.
Then there’s AS Monaco which is looking to be the real thing. The midfielder is willing to make the move and now it’s about both clubs coming together for a final offer. According to FOX Mexico, as of today, the talks are advancing slowly but they are advancing and there might even be news coming this week. In the same broadcast, Santiago Fourcade mentioned that an English team might swoop in at the last minute though the reporter did not elaborate further.
Out of all the players from Mexico that participated in the World Cup, Erik Lira is the one who stood out the most and has earned his right to move to Europe. He always had the talent. It was just about the world seeing what Mexican fans have been saying all along. Hopefully Cruz Azul and AS Monaco can come to terms about a contract so Lira can fulfill his dream of playing abroad.
Don’t worry Mexican fans, we’ll be here to talk about the move when it happens!
