Cruz Azul are accelerating their Apertura 2026 recruitment, targeting Juan Brunetta and potentially poaching another América target. Manager Iván Alonso is leading the charge, raising fears of a repeat of their 2025 swoop on Julián Quiñones. The 2025 move saw Cruz Azul outbid América for Quiñones, a striker who became a key player for the Azul side.
That deal cost Cruz Azul a reported $12 million, a figure that set the tone for their willingness to spend to disrupt rivals. The Mexican Liga MX transfer window is heating up as Cruz Azul flexes muscle to disrupt América's ambitions. Brunetta's future hangs in the balance as clubs battle for top talent ahead of the new season.
América, traditionally dominant in the transfer market, now faces a direct challenge from Cruz Azul's financial firepower and Alonso's tactical acumen. Iván Alonso's side is threatening to hijack the Liga MX transfer market, with the manager's aggressive transfer strategy putting América's summer plans in jeopardy. The Azul side has already made two high-profile signings this year—midfielder Carlos Rotondi and defender Alejandro Groothuis—signaling their intent to build a squad capable of challenging for the title.
The broader context is a Liga MX transfer market that has seen clubs increasingly willing to spend big to secure top talent. This season, total transfer spending across the league has already surpassed $100 million, with Cruz Azul accounting for a significant portion of that figure. The battle for top talent ahead of the new season is intensifying, with Juan Brunetta's future hanging in the balance.
As clubs vie for the best players, the transfer market is set to be a wild ride. América, despite their financial muscle, may find themselves outmaneuvered if Cruz Azul continues to make bold moves. The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown that could redefine the power dynamics in Liga MX.
Cruz Azul’s pursuit of Brunetta isn’t just about one player—it’s part of a calculated strategy to weaken América’s roster depth. By targeting multiple high-impact forwards, the Azul side is forcing América into a defensive posture, where they must prioritize retaining current stars over signing new ones. This psychological pressure could force América to overpay or lose key personnel, creating gaps in their lineup that Cruz Azul can exploit.
The timing of this transfer tug-of-war aligns with a broader shift in Liga MX’s competitive landscape. Clubs like Monterrey and Tigres are also ramping up spending, creating a three-way battle for dominance. Cruz Azul’s aggressive moves may not only disrupt América’s plans but also set a new standard for spending across the league, pushing smaller clubs to the sidelines in the process.
"Cruz Azul has shown they are not afraid to spend to get the players they want," said soccer analyst Javier Hernández. " What's next: The next two weeks will be critical as both clubs make their final moves before the Apertura 2026 transfer window closes. América is expected to table a counter-offer, while Cruz Azul may look to finalize deals with other targets to further strengthen their squad.
The outcome will shape the Liga MX landscape for the coming season. Read at NewsData.io
Why this matters
The Mexican Liga MX transfer window is heating up, with Cruz Azul's aggressive transfer strategy threatening to disrupt América's ambitions. The battle for top talent ahead of the new season is intensifying, with Juan Brunetta's future hanging in the balance. As clubs vie for the best players, the transfer market is set to be a wild ride. Cruz Azul’s willingness to spend big—evidenced by their $12 million move for Julián Quiñones in 2025—positions them as a direct threat to América’s dominance. The Azul side’s recent signings of Carlos Rotondi and Alejandro Groothuis underscore their intent to challenge for the title, forcing América into a reactive position. The outcome of these transfer battles will redefine power dynamics in Liga MX, with high stakes for both clubs and the league’s competitive balance. Now, with Cruz Azul targeting multiple América-linked forwards, the Azul side is not just chasing talent—it’s aiming to destabilize their biggest rival’s squad construction. If successful, this strategy could force América into a cycle of reactive spending, draining their resources and weakening their ability to compete on multiple fronts.
Frequently asked
Who is Juan Brunetta?
Juan Brunetta is a forward currently linked with Cruz Azul, with América also reportedly interested in signing him. The 25-year-old has been in strong form for his current club, making him a prime target for top Liga MX sides.
What is Iván Alonso's role in Cruz Azul's transfer strategy?
Iván Alonso is the manager of Cruz Azul and is leading the club's recruitment efforts for Apertura 2026. His aggressive approach mirrors the tactics that secured Julián Quiñones in 2025.
How does Brunetta fit into Cruz Azul's tactical plans?
Brunetta’s profile as a versatile forward aligns with Cruz Azul’s need for attacking depth. His ability to play multiple positions could provide Alonso with tactical flexibility, especially if the Azul side pushes for a title challenge in Apertura 2026.
What is the significance of Julián Quiñones in this context?
Julián Quiñones was a high-profile signing by Cruz Azul from América in 2025, costing the Azul side a reported $12 million. His move highlighted Cruz Azul’s financial muscle and Alonso’s willingness to disrupt rivals.
How much has Cruz Azul spent in the current transfer window?
Cruz Azul has already committed significant funds this year, with their spending accounting for a large portion of the over $100 million spent across Liga MX so far this season.
What other signings has Cruz Azul made recently?
Cruz Azul has signed midfielder Carlos Rotondi and defender Alejandro Groothuis this year, signaling their intent to build a title-contending squad.
When does the Apertura 2026 transfer window close?
The exact date varies by league rules, but the next two weeks are expected to be critical as clubs finalize deals before the window closes.
