Cruz Azul has agreed to the sale of midfielder Erik Lira to AS Monaco this week, as reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano. The deal, valued at 8 million euros plus add-ons, marks a significant departure as the team struggles in Liga MX, sitting tenth with 9 points.
How much will Monaco pay for Erik Lira?
Fabrizio Romano detailed the financial terms of the agreement between the clubs. The operation includes 8 million euros fixed plus 3 million in variables, and Cruz Azul will retain a 20% sell-on clause. The French club substantially improved its initial offer, which was around 3 million, after negotiations with president Víctor Velazquez and the player's representatives.
Lira, 26, moves to European soccer after a standout 2026 World Cup with the Mexican national team. His international profile rose, culminating in this opportunity. For Cruz Azul, the deal protects future interests beyond the immediate payment.
How did Cruz Azul Femenil debut with Potro?
The debut of Raúl 'Potro' Gutiérrez in charge of Cruz Azul Femenil ended in defeat, according to Record MX. The cementeras fell 1-0 to Juárez in the Apertura 2026, in a match where the home team showed problems creating clear danger.
Juárez was solid in defense and closed spaces, scoring the winning goal in the second half through Solórzano. Cruz Azul tried to react but lacked the necessary edge to equalize. The result starts a new era for the women's team on the wrong foot.
Where is Profe Cruz going?
José Guadalupe Cruz, 'El Profe', returns to soccer as an assistant and sporting development director for Canada's Inter Toronto, Record MX reported. The Mexican strategist, who hasn't managed in Liga MX since the 2021 Apertura with Necaxa, will join Mauro Eustaquio's coaching staff.
His functions will include participation in first-team decisions and a central role in developing the club's six youth categories, from U-13 to U-20. In Toronto, he will reunite with Jorge Villalpando, a former goalkeeper from his Jaguares days and now the Canadian club's general manager.
What is the current context for the first team?
Cruz Azul arrives at this transfer moment after an important victory. Joel Huiqui's team beat Necaxa 3-1 on August 29th, breaking a poor run of results. This season, the team has scored 11 goals and conceded 11, for a zero goal difference.
Recent form over the last five matches shows one win and four losses. The team is four points behind leaders Club America in the overall table. The next fixture is against Santos Laguna on September 7th at home, an opponent currently in 17th place. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the league table on standings.
The sale of Lira injects fresh resources into the club at a sportingly complicated time. The board must decide how to strengthen the squad for the next phase of the tournament, where every point is vital to close the gap in the standings.
