Which Mexico stars are heading to Europe? And vice-versa. | OneFootball

Mexico’s World Cup campaign did not go unnoticed. Javier Aguirre’s side shattered several records this summer before being eliminated by England in the Round of 16. El Tri won all three group-stage matches for the first time in its history, did not concede a single goal in either the group stage or the Round of 32 against Ecuador, and won a World Cup knockout match for the first time in 40 years. Although Mexico once again bowed out in the Round of 16, the performance against England helped solidify several players’ cases for a move to Europe this summer.

One thing to keep in mind: the Liga MX Apertura 2026 kicks off next week, so while the timing isn’t necessarily a deciding factor, several of these transfers could be finalized in the coming days. Don’t be surprised if one or two of these players never make it back to their clubs before heading overseas.

The performances of several Mexican internationals opened the door to concrete negotiations with foreign clubs. Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Israel Reyes, Roberto Alvarado, and Armando González are the names generating the most buzz internationally, each with specific offers that could usher in a new wave of Mexican exports. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel has also been linked with Sporting Lisbon, although European clubs are often reluctant to use a valuable non-EU roster spot on a goalkeeper, making it likely he’ll remain with Chivas for at least one more tournament.

These are the players with the strongest chances of leaving, while a few others appear ready to return from Europe in hopes of reviving their careers back home.

ERIK LIRA

The Cruz Azul midfielder started all five of Mexico’s World Cup matches and established himself as one of Javier Aguirre’s most reliable players. His consistency caught the attention of the City Football Group, with Girona and Troyes emerging as potential destinations.

After the match against England, Jude Bellingham admitted Lira “runs everywhere” and caused him problems for much of the game. Lira was arguably Mexico’s best player of the tournament behind Julián Quiñones, who scored four goals. Because of that, it seems increasingly unlikely that Lira will be wearing a Cruz Azul jersey during the Apertura 2026 after helping the club win last season’s title.

GILBERTO MORA

At just 17 years old, the Tijuana midfielder made his World Cup debut and became the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at the tournament. Before the competition he signed a contract extension that included a European release clause, making it easier for clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool, among others, to pursue him, according to reports.

Tijuana’s plan is to sell him once the right offer arrives, while the youngster has already inherited the club’s iconic No. 10 shirt as a symbol of leadership. “Morita” won’t turn 18 until October, meaning he cannot move to Europe during this transfer window due to FIFA regulations restricting international transfers involving minors. As a result, he’ll get one farewell tournament with Xolos.

Keep an eye on the winter transfer window. Mora is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football and is expected to command a transfer fee in the neighborhood of $30 million, according to his agent, Rafaela Pimenta.

ISRAEL REYES

The Club América defender, who won three consecutive Liga MX titles with Las Águilas, traveled to Rome before the World Cup to advance negotiations. Valued at around $5.7 million, reports have placed Reyes very close to joining AS Roma, where he would strengthen the club’s central defense, although there have been no recent updates regarding the final details of the proposed deal.

ROBERTO ALVARADO

The Chivas winger was one of Mexico’s standout performers, recording three assists during the World Cup. His form reignited Flamengo’s long-standing interest while FC Copenhagen is also reportedly willing to pay around $9 million.

Although Alvarado has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Guadalajara, the international market could ultimately decide otherwise.

ARMANDO GONZÁLEZ

The Chivas striker played just 14 minutes during the World Cup, all of them coming in the opener against South Africa, but his Liga MX performances have made him an intriguing prospect.

Several Eredivisie clubs, including Feyenoord, have shown interest thanks to his goalscoring instincts and long-term potential. While he barely featured during the World Cup, his domestic performances continue to keep him on Europe’s radar.

JULIÁN QUIÑONES

Quiñones currently plays for Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where he finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 33 goals, outperforming the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney.

He carried that form into the World Cup, scoring four goals to tie Javier “Chicharito” Hernández and Luis Hernández for the most goals by a Mexican player in a single World Cup. At 29 years old, he still has plenty to offer at the highest level, making him an intriguing option for clubs across Europe.

The question is whether he’ll be willing to leave behind the financial comfort and luxurious lifestyle that Saudi Arabia offers in order to finally fulfill the dream of playing in Europe.

Who could be returning?

César Montes

One of Mexico’s top center backs appeared in four matches after missing the South Korea game due to the red card he received against South Africa in the opener.

Montes currently plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, where he has struggled to establish himself after previous spells with Almería and Espanyol in Spain, both of which ended in relegation battles. At 29 years old, the twilight of his career is approaching — and why spend it in Russia?

Several reports suggest his move to Cruz Azul is well advanced, with the defender expected to become a major reinforcement for the club’s back line.

César Huerta

A similar story applies to Huerta. The winger has spent the last couple of seasons with Anderlecht in Belgium but has not done enough to earn a move to a bigger European club.

Everything points toward “Chino,” who saw limited minutes during the World Cup, returning to Liga MX to join Toluca.

Jorge Sánchez

The PAOK right back started four World Cup matches and was arguably one of Mexico’s weakest performers throughout the tournament.

Sánchez previously played for Cruz Azul and Club América before moving to Europe, where he represented Ajax and Porto. Prior to the World Cup, he admitted that football in Greece lacked the comfort and infrastructure players enjoy at many Mexican clubs.

Now, reports have linked him with a return to Liga MX, this time with Atlas.

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