UPDATE, Dec. 29: A source has confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Matias Almeyda will be staying with the San Jose Earthquakes following rumors in recent days linking him to Liga MX. The 47-year-old Argentine's name had been reported as a candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Cruz Azul, but he will indeed remain with the Earthquakes, where he'll continue his ongoing project with the club in his third MLS season.
It wouldn't be the MLS offseason without rumors regarding San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda being courted by Liga MX clubs, but according to a report from Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Almeyda has rebuffed the latest offer and will stay in MLS.
Cruz Azul is the latest Liga MX side to be linked to Almeyda, with reports noting that La Maquina had made a formal offer for his services. However, Merlo reaffirmed on Wednesday that Almeyda will remain with the Earthquakes, where he's under contract through 2022.
Almeyda recently completed his second season with San Jose in 2020, leading the Quakes through a roller-coaster season that saw them clinch the final Western Conference spot in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. That came despite a handful of lopsided defeats in the middle of the season and a minus-16 goal differential through their 23 matches.
It was an erratic campaign, but the Quakes improved down the stretch, giving reason to believe they could progress in 2021 with Almeyda getting another preseason to impart his unique system.
In the meantime, Almeyda's name figures to continue to pop up with each Liga MX coaching vacancy, considering his past success in the league as the manager of Chivas Guadalajara from 2015-18.
