Fansided

Chivas, America in spotlight after flashy signings

By Jahir M. Martinez

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 02: Giovani dos Santos of Mexico gestures during the International Friendly match between Mexico v Scotland at Estadio Azteca on June 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 02: Giovani dos Santos of Mexico gestures during the International Friendly match between Mexico v Scotland at Estadio Azteca on June 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Briseño and Giovani Dos Santos have high hopes for their new clubs in the Liga MX.

Las Chivas de Guadalajara aim to quickly forget their poor run in Liga MX of late, so they have spent big this summer, bringing old and new faces.

With the inevitable departure of veteran defender Jair Pereira, the Chivas turned to a familiar face, bringing veteran defender Oswaldo Alanis back to the club from Spain. This past week, the Guadalajara front office finally clinched a deal to sign 25-year-old Antonio Briseño.

Chivas sign Briseño
Antonio Briseño in action against Estoril Praia on Sept. 17, 2018, in Estoril, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /

Along with returning central defender Hiram Mier, Alanis and Briseño give coach Tomas Boy reliable options for the middle of the Chivas back line.

The Chivas made a fine acquisition in Briseño, the captain of the Under-17 national team that won the World Cup in 2011. The Guadalajara native moved abroad after failing to find playing time with Atlas and the Tigres. After two years in Portugal’s Primeira Liga (four goals in 49 games) Briseño comes back home as a seasoned defender.

The Chivas also can count on veteran leadership up front after prying striker Oribe Peralta from América. Guadalajara appears to be well stocked to quickly escape the relegation zone in which they find themselves entering the Apertura 2019. It will be up to coach Boy to manage and direct the team successfully.

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Aguilas bring Gio home

The biggest news this weekend is the signing of Giovani dos Santos by Club America. The 30-year-old playmaker has been without a team since the L.A. Galaxy cut him just before the current MLS season got under way. It will be the first time Gio will call the Liga MX home after starting his career with Barcelona.

Dos Santos has been a gypsy since making his way through the Barcelona academy and playing alongside Lio Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. The mercurial midfielder has never established himself with one team and he earned a reputation of preferring the night life to the practice field.

Barcelona sold Gio to Tottenham in 2008, but he did not find a starting role with Spurs, instead getting loaned out in successive seasons to Ipswich Town, Galatasaray and Racing de Santander. Then Mallorca bought his contract but after the club was demoted he was signed by Villarreal where he enjoyed his most productive seasons.

In 2015, dos Santos inked a deal with the Galaxy, spending four seasons there (77 appearances, 28 goals). Gio had his ups and downs, even getting MLS MVP consideration but with injuries and inconsistent play eventually limited his production.

Dos Santos could make his Liga MX debut at home in the Estadio Azteca against Monterrey. That would be significant for Gio whose father played for both América and Monterrey, the city where Gio grew up.

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