Guadalajara’s board of directors reportedly aimed high by bidding for FC Cincinnati’s offices in the pursuit of signing the striker, but that offer was rejected.
The 2022 season closed with Chivas facing a wave of rumors and confirmations that spread through green valley after a painful exit at the hands of Puebla, a rival that continued to loom large in their plans. With leadership changes on the horizon, the club looked toward the end of 2023, evaluating how to bolster the squad and compete at the highest level in hopes of ending a drought since the Clausura 2017, when they lifted the trophy under Matías Almeyda.
Transfer activity and on-field performance had been inconsistent, leading the club to consider asset sales to fund new signings or strategic exchanges to secure pivotal pieces for a project helmed provisionally by Ricardo Cadena, a coach who enjoyed the board’s confidence and sought to reestablish the team’s prominence.
Looking ahead, the Guadalajara squad is navigating a rollercoaster of rumors as it prepares for the upcoming matches:
FC CINCINNATI REJECTS OFFER FOR BRANDON VAZQUEZ
Following prior inquiries, Guadalajara’s board of directors pressed again for Brandon Vasquez, a 24-year-old forward with FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer. The American club stood firm, turning down the request once more this winter with a $7 million bid that did not meet Cincinnati’s valuation.
VICTOR GUZMÁN IN THE CROSSED FINGERS
GOAL’s reporting suggests Victor Guzmán, the Opened 2022 champion, may again be targeted by the rojiblanca leadership to reinforce the midfield. The native of Guadalajara is seen as a potential return to green valley after a failed transfer in 2020 due to doping-related issues.
THE RETURN OF MARCO FABIÁN NEARS
Multiple outlets indicate Marco Fabián de la Mora is in discussions with Guadalajara’s board and coaching staff to rejoin as a reinforcement for Clausura 2023. The club’s academy product left after a stint with Mazatlán and is reportedly eager to finish his career where it all began.
VELJKO PAUNOVIC WILL LEAD THE TROOPS
The Serbian-born, Spain-naturalized coach Veljko Paunović is set to take charge of the rojiblanco bench for Clausura 2023. The club has voiced full confidence in his plan to instill a winning identity as the team reshapes its core for the upcoming campaign.
ARTEAGA, AGUIRRE AND GUZMÁN IN THE VIEWFINDER
With the initial departures in the rearview mirror, the project is beginning to take concrete form as Fernando Hierro assumes a leadership role in sports governance. He has already identified potential re-signings and new additions for Clausura 2023, including Gerardo Arteaga, Eduardo “Mudo” Aguirre, and Victor Guzmán.
Gerardo Arteaga currently stars for Genk in Belgium and is a regular starter. The full-back would be a notable signing for the squad, and his World Cup participation with Mexico would raise the team’s profile significantly.
Eduardo Aguirre, the “Mudo,” emerged as a central option up top after tallying four goals and one assist across 19 matches in Apertura 2022, making him a compelling choice to strengthen the attack for Hierro’s plans.
Victor Guzmán, a central defender with Xolos de Tijuana, has long harbored ambitions of moving to Europe. He remains a key figure for the club, eager to take a step forward and develop his career with a prestigious side.
MIGUEL PONCE WILL NOT CONTINUE IN THE TROOP
Amid leadership changes, Miguel “El Pocho” Ponce became another veteran of the squad whose relationship with Chivas was brought to a close. The left-back, a four-time champion with El Rebaño, has been known more for his on-field presence than for consistent top-level performances in recent seasons.
JESÚS MOLINA THE FIRST LOW IN CHIVAS
Following a sequence of injuries and a dip in form, the club decided not to renew Jesús Molina’s contract. Molina confirmed his departure from the squad as planning moved forward.
PELÁEZ WAS REMOVED
With nearly three years spent at Chivas, Richard Peláez’s exit was confirmed as part of a broader leadership shake-up after elimination by Puebla in the most recent league rematch. Peláez’s farewell was marked by the presence of his son, who served as an advisor to former America, Cruz Azul, and the Mexican national team, signaling a broader restructuring at the top levels of the club.
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