Monaco keep Erik Lira option open after non-EU limit blocks move | OneFootball

Monaco have left open the possibility of signing Erik Lira at a later date after a summer move fell through.

According to Get French Football News, Lira, 26, was a target throughout the window but the squad had no non-EU places available. The anticipated sale of Folarin Balogun to Everton would have freed one, however the transfer did not materialise.

Chief executive Thiago Scuro said talks with Cruz Azul had progressed to the point where the deal was ready and the player prepared to travel. Completion hinged on Balogun opening the foreign slot, so Monaco could not proceed. He added that informing Lira of the collapse was a difficult moment of the window.

Asked about revisiting the move in January, Scuro said it depends on several factors. Monaco are not in a position to ask Cruz Azul to wait, though Lira remains a player who has their attention and respect.

The club have not ruled out returning for the Mexican midfielder if circumstances change, but there are no guarantees.

Source: Get French Football News

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