Rayados wooing Lucas Moura; ‘Tuca’ given an ultimatum

Ricardo Ferretti might be coaching for his job on Saturday when Cruz Azul faces Atlanta United. Reports suggest the Liga MX club has told him “win, or else.” (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

From English Premier League to Liga MX?

Monterrey doesn’t appear to be done making waves in the Liga MX transfer window.

Reports that the Rayados are actively pursuing the former Brazil and Tottenham star Lucas Moura are trending on social media. Fox Sports has confirmed that Monterrey submitted a formal offer and await the São Paulo native’s response.

The Northern giants were linked to Moura a couple months ago but interest on the part of the 30-year-old playmaker seemed to wane as stories circulated that Brazilian commentators were mocking him for considering a downgrade in competition.

Moura is a free agent so the Liga MX club would not need to fork over a buy-out fee. Ownership simply has to convince the midfielder that he’ll enjoy playing in Liga MX (and a $5 million-dollar wage packet might do the trick).

‘Tuca’ on the chopping block?

Cruz Azul started its Liga MX campaign by losing three straight games.

Then Lionel Messi handed the Cementeros another “L” in their Leagues Cup debut.

Now it appears that coach Ricardo Ferretti has been given an ultimatum – win against Atlanta United on Saturday or you’re done.

Oscar Pérez – Cruz Azul’s general manager in name only (the Cementeros front office is a complete shambles) – seemed to confirm the reports, telling reporters Thursday that the club will analyze its coaching situation after Saturday’s contest.

“Tuca” seems to be getting the shaft here as “La Máquina” seems more like a broken-down jalopy, with team president Víctor Velázquez usurping personnel decisions and basically ignoring the coach’s preseason wish list.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason with regard to roster-building and the erstwhile Liga MX giants appear headed for yet another disappointing season.

Pachuca makes startling decision

Tuzos skipper Óscar Ustari appears headed out of Liga MX after the goalie reportedly got into a tiff with coach Guillermo Almada after he was overlooked for a friendly match.

Record is reporting that the 37-year-old netminder was given his outright release and his original club – Argentina’s Avellaneda – has expressed interest in bringing him back home.

Ustari helped lead Pachuca to the Apertura 2022 title and has been among the best goalies in Liga MX since signing with the Tuzos in January 2020.

The confrontation occurred after Almada decided to give back-up keeper Carlos Moreno the start in Pachuca’s friendly against Spain’s Real Oviedo on Sunday. The game also served as a tribute match for long-time Tuzos defender Oscar Murillo who is retiring.

Murillo, 35, joined the Tuzos in January 2016 and won two Liga MX titles with the club.

• Published on 07/27/2023 at 10:12 PM EST
• Last updated on 07/27/2023 at 10:12 PM EST