Liga MX Transfer News: Erik Lira is Cruz Azul newest player

Cruz Azul signed his newest player this day for 2021-22 Liga MX Season, defensive midfielder Erik Lira, who debuted with Pumas two seasons ago and was one of the most outstanding players in the Universitarios squad during Apertura 2021.

Lira will join Los Cementeros for Clausura 22 and will be tied to Cruz Azul until 2026, as he signed a 4-year contract. According to reports, the deal to acquire the player from Pumas side was worth $4.5 million. Pumas already made official his departure from the club.

Up until now, Cruz Azul has only made official the addition of Cristian Tabó, who joined La Máquina on a permanent deal out of Club Puebla. The Uruguayan striker reunited with Juan Reynoso, who was Puebla’s coach before joining Cruz Azul and leading them to their first Liga MX championship in 23 years.

It’s a matter of time until Cruz Azul officially welcomes all of their other additions, something they’ll have to do during this week, as Clausura 22 is starting this Thursday in a match between San Luis and Pachuca.

Erik Lira joins Charly Rodríguez, midfielder out of Monterrey, and former Chivas players Alejandro Mayorga and Uriel Antuna, left-back and right-winger, respectively, as the newest acquisitions of Cruz Azul that are still waiting to be introduced, although they’ve all already signed contracts and have been spotted wearing Los Cementeros’ colors.

The squad from La Noria also had sensitive departures, especially the ones of Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado, who left to Chivas and was part of the trade to acquire the players from El Rebaño, and Orbelín Pineda, who didn’t renew contract and joined Spanish Celta de Vigo as a free agent.

Cruz Azul’s first game of the year will be against Tijuana, on Saturday, January 8, at 22:00 (ET) when La Máquina receives Los Xolos at Estadio Azteca in a game where Cruz Azul roster will look very different than last season.

Erik Lira’s numbers with Pumas

Born in Mexico City, the 21-year-old defensive midfielder has made his whole career so far defending Pumas’ blue and gold colors, but he became part of the senior squad until 2020.

He played a total of 56 games for the Universitarios, starting in the Apertura 2020. He was one of the most regular players Pumas had on the pitch, as he only missed five games during his tenure. He also managed to assist on two occasions.

Cristian Pavón’s signing is on hold

Cruz Azul is still looking to add a couple players to have a more competitive squad for Clausura 2022, and was in negotiations with Argentinean striker Cristian Pavón, who currently plays for Argentina side Boca Juniors.

But his signing with Los Cementeros is starting to look doubtful as its been on hold for the past days, as the player was tested positive for Covid after Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The team will first wait until Pavón overcomes the illness to resume negotiations with Boca Juniors and Pavón.

Cruz Azul is looking for a striker after the Uruguayan Jonathan "Cabecita" Rodríguez informed the team his intentions of leaving Liga MX to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr FC.

Rumors also link Atlas striker Julio Furch as another player Cruz Azul is considering signing for the upcoming tournament, but Atlas management has said on multiple occasions they don’t intend parting ways with the Argentinean forward.