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Three teams where Brian Fernandez could fit right in

By Jahir M. Martinez

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 05: Brian Fernandez #11 of Necaxa celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a first round match between America and Necaxa as part of Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on March 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 05: Brian Fernandez #11 of Necaxa celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a first round match between America and Necaxa as part of Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on March 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Necaxa’s Brian Fernandez is currently linked to Portland Timbers of MLS, but the forward has expressed interest in remaining in Liga MX.

It seems like a foregone conclusion that Brian Fernandez will leave Necaxa over the summer. Despite being the sparkplug of an offense that has surprised pundits, the 24-year-old Argentine will likely be sold off as the Rayos could take advantage of the heavy demand for his services.

Recently, Fernandez commented that he thought the Tigres were an attractive team to play for, both because of the roster and because of the support shown by fans. But, in my opinion, if Fernandez could pick his ideal landing spot, he should join a team where they loaded up front. Tigres already has a powerhouse roster of attackers led by Andre Pierre-Gignac, as well as Eduardo Vargas, Enner Valencia, Jurgen Damm, Luis Quiñones and Julian Quiñones, though not all of those are likely to be with the team next season. Still, going to Tigres probably only gives Fernandez a 50-50 to shine like he is doing at Necaxa.

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One attractive destination could be Cruz Azul, which is desperately chasing its first Liga MX title since 1997. The Cementeros have struggled to be a dynamic offensive team as they were throughout the Apertura 2018. Midfielder Orbelin Pineda is becoming more comfortable in the line-up and forward Milton Caraglio has been finding the net, but Fernandez would slot in along nicely next to the big Argentine striker.

The Pumas showcased a fast-paced attack last season, but have struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the Clausura. And this week reports indicate UNAM management is likely to sell striker Carlos González to make a profit. However, the Pumas have not sought to acquire splashy players in recent seasons, so they’d have to change their thought processes because Fernandez will be costly. The last time the Pumas had a fearsome striker in their front line was Nico Castillo (2017-18), but they sold him to Benefica to bring in some bucks. Adding Fernandez could boost UNAM’s offensive capabilities, something they’ll need to address since they have only 14 goals through 13 games after scoring 29 last season.

Another nice locations would be with Santos Laguna, working alongside Julio Furch. Santos won the title a year ago with Furch and Jonathan Rodríguez up front, but fell back a bit last season. Now, Javier Correra has replaced Rodríguez (sold to Cruz Azul where he mostly languishes on the bench) both he has only 4 goals (the same as Furch). Certainly with the playing style Fernandez has and adding him to the offensive style of play that Santos prefers, he could find himself battling to be the leading scorer in Liga MX wearing green-and-white hoops.

For now, Necaxa is in fourth place with three games remaining, a surprise contender thanks to Fernandez who is only 1 goal behind Angel Mena of Leon in the race for the scoring title. If the Rayos are to make it into the playoffs, Fernandez will likely have to put the ball in the net a few more times.

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