Erik Lira and Cristian Pavón on Cruz Azul's agenda

Pumas midfielder Erik Lira and Boca Juniors forward Cristian Pavón are on Cruz Azul´s agenda to complete their roster ahead of the 2022 Clausura tournament. La Máquina has already signed Uriel Antuna, rigth winger, in a trade, and Alejandro Mayorga, left-back, on loan for the next year, both players arriving from Chivas de Guadalajara. 

Besides Antuna and Mayorga additions, Uruguayan player Christian Tabó also arrived at la Noria from Puebla to strengthen the offensive department. Cruz Azul's latest addition will be Charly Rodriguez pending official confirmation.

Who is Erik Lira?

The 21 years-old plays under Andrés Lilini’s commands and became a key player for Pumas UNAM last year, helping the team to reach the semifinals in the 2021 Apertura. Due to his good performances with the club, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino called him up to play for the Mexican national soccer team in the friendlies fixtures played against Ecuador in October and Chile in December.

Against the Ecuadorian national team, Erik played all 90 minutes, closing a good performance despite the defeat of Martino's team. On the other hand, against the Chilean national team, Lira came off the bench to play the second half in Mexico’s draw. In both games, Martino´s boss praised the player for his performance.

Erik Lira has played for Necaxa and Pumas in the Liga MX.

Lira´s transfer fee

According to ESPN Cruz Azul and Pumas will complete between Thursday, December 30 and Friday, December 31, all necessary paperwork for the purchase of 100 percent of Lira's federative rights for an expected amount of US$3.5 million to US$4.5 million.

Lira's signing is a huge boost for Cruz Azul, which continues to renew its roster in the winter transfer window.

Who is Cristian Pavón?

Cruz Azul seeks Cristian Pavon as a replacement for 'Cabecita' Rodriguez. The Celeste club sent a proposal for the striker, who plays for Boca Juniors and has six months left on his contract.

According to ESPN Cruz Azul has been closely watching Cristian Pavón’s situation. The Argentinian striker contract expires next July. Boca Juniors' management seems to have tried to renew the striker's contract but Cristian seems to be pursuing other plans. Cruz Azul wants to bring the player in as it presents Liga MX as a new challenge for his career. 

As a result, Cruz Azul sent an economic proposal to Boca and expects the Argentine club to consider that it would be one of its last chances to recover part of Pavón's value, rather than see him leave for free in the summer.

If the negotiation is successful, Cruz Azul would have in Cristian Pavón the replacement for "Cabecita" Rodríguez.

The 25 years-old has played for Argentinian teams Talleres de Córdova, Colón and Boca Juniors and for MLS club LA Galaxy. Internationally, he was part of the Argentine national team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and also participated in the 2018 World Cup with the senior national team.