TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Longtime Mexico national team outside back Miguel Layun has emerged as a San Jose Earthquakes transfer target ahead of the 2021 MLS season, per a report from ESPN's Cesar Caballero.
The report states that San Jose have approached Liga MX side Monterrey over acquiring Layun, with a formal offer having already been placed. Layun, 32, is under contract with Rayados through the remainder of 2021.
Should Layun come to San Jose, he’d offer a replacement to Nick Lima, who was traded to expansion side Austin FC earlier this offseason. The Earthquakes also have Peru international Marcos Lopez at left back, while Tommy Thompson has played extensively at right back.
Layun would bring a wealth of experience to San Jose, having played in the Premier League for Watford, in Portugal for Porto and Spain for Sevilla and Villareal. Those stops have contributed to over 400 professional appearances, punctuated by a longer run at Club America, and a trophy cabinet that includes a 2019 Concacaf Champions League title with Monterrey.
On the international stage, Layun helped Mexico win the 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup title. He’s been capped 72 times by El Tri, featuring prominently at FIFA World Cups in 2014 and 2018.
Layun would represent San Jose’s second dip into the Liga MX transfer market this offseason, after the Western Conference club previously acquired attacking midfielder Javier Eduardo Lopez on a one-year loan from Chivas de Guadalajara. "Chofis" played at Chivas under Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda, as did other recent Quakes signings Oswaldo Alanis and winger Carlos Fierro.
