TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
After a promising 2019 loan stint with the LA Galaxy that helped vault him into the Mexican national team, Uriel Antuna says he’s open to the idea of a high-profile return to his homeland to join Chivas de Guadalajara.
The 22-year-old winger remains on the books of Manchester City, and has inspired heavy interest from multiple clubs in multiple countries after scoring six goals and five assists in 31 MLS appearances (29 starts) for the Galaxy this season, including a reported $11 million bid from Chivas last month that was apparently turned down.
“We all know the history of Chivas, what they have achieved, the players who have been there; they are purely Mexican and more because they are one of the greats in Mexico,” Antuna said in a conversation with TUDN.
When asked if he could see himself in one of Chivas’ famous striped jerseys, he said, “Yes, of course. I would not close the door to any team, but they are situations that must be put in the balance with the family.”
The winger rose through the youth system at Liga MX powers Santos Laguna, but made just one match appearance for the Torreon club before moving abroad on the strength of a standout performance for Mexico in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Antuna revealed this week that he and his camp have had conversations with Chivas’ new sporting director Ricardo Pelaez, though it appears El Rebaño Sagrado – who are currently languishing in 12th place in the Apertura standings, well below their usual expectations – will have to pay a pretty penny to get a transfer deal done.
“We talked a little with [Pelaez],” said Antuna. “He told me about the project. I like the idea of returning to Chivas to where they should be, it is a good opportunity. But you have to put it in the balance – I have to talk to my family, my representative to know what to do.
“I never imagined that I would be worth [the high price tag applied by Man City],” he added. “It is the clubs that set the prices and I’m proud that they practically pay so much for me.”
Some reports have suggested that the Galaxy remain in the hunt to acquire him on a permanent basis themselves, with GM Dennis Te Kloese recently stating that LA have a “gentlemen’s agreement” with Man City that allows the Galaxy to match outside offers for Antuna.
