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Chivas say adios to Jair Pereira; where might he go?

By Jahir M. Martinez

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JANUARY 12: Jair Pereira #4 of Chivas reacts during the 2nd round match between Cruz Azul and Chivas as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Azteca on January 12, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JANUARY 12: Jair Pereira #4 of Chivas reacts during the 2nd round match between Cruz Azul and Chivas as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Azteca on January 12, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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After spending more than five years with Guadalajara, Jair Pereira is starting a new chapter in his career.

Chivas central defender and skipper Jair Pereira has been given his walking papers. Pereira’s time with the Chivas came to a conclusion when management included his name on the official transfer list.

Pereira, 32, played more than 150 games with the Chivas and captained the club to the Liga MX title in the Clausura 2017 and the 2018 Concacaf Champions League title. The Cuautla (Morelos) native spend five-and-a-half years with Guadalajara.

Heading into the just-completed Clausura 2019, there were concerns about Pereira since he had suffered through a few injury-prone season. His future with the team was doubtful even then and his performance had shown signs of slipping. His leadership qualities remained huge on the field, but his body could not keep up the same tempo. And the Chivas are in desperate need of improving their roster.

No one can deny that Pereira was an important player during the Matias Almeyda era (2015-2018). Almeyda led Guadalajara to two Copa MX crowns (Apertura 2015 and Clausura 2017), a Supercopa MX title (2016) and the Clausura 2017 Liga MX trophy.

Naturally, the Liga MX crown is Pereira’s most-cherished title. The Chivas upset the Tigres, earning Pereira his first league championship and ending Guadalajara’s nearly 11-year league title drought.

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Wherever “El Comandante“ Pereira ends up for the Apertura 2019 season,he brings a vast amount of experience.

A few teams have shown interest in Pereira, including Veracruz, Queretaro, Necaxa, Atletico San Luis and Lobos BUAP. One problem could be Pereira’s wage demands, but it is certain that the Chivas are eager to sell his contract.

In my opinion, Pereira would best fit in the scheme with Lobos BUAP where he could play next to another former Chivas defender, Francisco “Maza” Rodriguez. I think they would make a good central defense pairing for the team.

Veracruz might not be a terrible landing spot for Pereira either, because former teammate Carlos Salcido came out of semi-retirement to play with Los Tiburones last season.

Perhaps an ideal plan for Pereira would be to return to Cruz Azul, the team for whom he made his senior team debut in the Apertura 2011, but it is not likely that he fits in the plans current coach Pedro Caixinha. Still, it would bring his career full circle and the big center back deserves to go out with the respect he has earned.

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