Aguirre the catalyst for Valencia’s long-standing target Erik Lira | OneFootball

According to Superdeporte, Javier Aguirre is close to returning to LaLiga to take charge of Valencia, with a preliminary agreement in place. He recently led Mexico, where he worked closely with Erik Lira, a midfielder long on Valencia’s radar.

Valencia’s interest in Lira predates the coaching search. ESPN reported in April 2026 that Valencia were among European clubs tracking the Cruz Azul midfielder, alongside Sevilla, Benfica and Feyenoord, and noted he featured in each of Aguirre’s first 10 games, starting five and coming on five.

Their rapport grew after Aguirre began his third spell with Mexico in summer 2024. Lira said, "If anything defines me it is running and competing, and Javier asks for that. I identify with that", in an interview with TUDN as he broke into the plans.

Aguirre progressed him from call-ups to minutes, then starts and greater responsibility. His capacity to cover ground, balance the side and drop into defence when required persuaded the coach.

Lira’s influence increased in matches against Japan and South Korea, cementing him as a defensive midfield option. At the 2026 World Cup he vied with established names such as Edson Álvarez and embraced the contest.

That steady rise explains why European clubs had him in view months earlier, not as a sudden breakthrough but as the product of seasons with Cruz Azul and an international platform Aguirre helped to amplify.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”