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Veteran defender Oswaldo Alanis rejoins Chivas

By Dan Chapman

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Oswaldo Alanis of Mexico warms up during the traning session prior to the international friendly game between Mexico and United States at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Oswaldo Alanis of Mexico warms up during the traning session prior to the international friendly game between Mexico and United States at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) /
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Although his contract with Spanish second division team Real Oviedo ran until next summer, both club and player agreed to terminate it a year early.

The Chivas and defender Oswaldo Alanis this week announced via Twitter the player’s return to the Guadalajara side and, although it is a disappointing end to a somewhat troubled spell in Europe, Chivas fans will be happy to have him back.

In May 2018, Alanis left the Chivas under somewhat of a cloud following a lengthy dispute with the club that involved management ordering him benched and sent to the reserves for training. The defender joined Spanish club Getafe, promising a bright transition to European soccer for the Team Mexico veteran. But when the coach that recruited him left Getafe to take another job, the new coach decided he did not want Alanis’ services. He was released a mere month after joining the Madrid-based club, never even featuring for the team.

Fortunately, second tier Spanish club Real Oviedo stepped up and purchased the player on a 2-year deal, and Alanis found regular playing time there.

As the transfer season opened back home in Mexico, Alanis’ name came up often. The Chivas, naturally, invited him back, but Toluca also made an attractive offer. The club and player came to a mutual agreement to terminate the deal, opening the way for his return. Critics have been quick to label his experience in Europe a failure and it is rumored that he long yearned for a return to his homeland.

The Chivas are in need  of defensive reinforcements since they released captain Jair Pereira earlier in the summer. Chivas fans also agree that the current crop of defenders at the club, excluding Hiram Mier, are not good enough.

Guadalajara desperately needs to fortify its roster this summer, as they face serious relegation concerns, and Alanis will be seen by many as a good signing. Even so, the 30-year-old defender will need to prove himself hungry and ready for the season after disappointments in Europe and his unsettling departure from the Chivas a year ago.

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Alanis no doubt has fond memories of winning trophies with Guadalajara and this should fuel his desire to help the Chivas regain its spot as a top club in Mexico.

The Chivas continue to recruit additional transfer targets and most fans admit they need one or even two more defensive signings to become a playoff contender again. Rumors persist of a move for 25-year-old defender Antonio Briseño, currently under contract with Portuguese second division club Feirense.

For now though, fans will be mostly happy with the return of Alanis but will also be looking for more transfers in the coming weeks.

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