Transfer Tracker: The fallout from the Chivas’ moves

Necaxa turns a profit in transfer deal with Chivas

The Rayos have become adept at finding players on the cheap, helping them flourish then selling them off for a profit. In the past, those players had been acquired during shopping trips to South America (especially Chile), but this past week they parted with three gems picked up here at home.

Left back Cristián Calderón, midfielder Jesús Angulo and defender Alexis Peña were sold to Guadalajara for a total of $20 million dollars. The three had been acquired (in separate transfer deals) for a total of $10 million dollars. Not a bad profit!

In the upcoming Clausura, Necaxa will surely struggle to be a playoff team for a third straight season unless they make some smart buys in the next month, because all three new Chivas were significant contributors to the Rayos’ tremendous success in the Apertura 2019.

Calderón, 22, was acquired from Atlas in a $4 million-dollar 50-50 deal (Atlas retained 50% of player rights, so they’ll share some of the profit) just a year ago and had a break-out season in the just-completed Apertura. His earlier performances in the Clausura 2019 caught the eye of Team Mexico coach Gerardo Martino and now he looks certain to claim El Tri’s left back spot for the next several years. He followed up his strong Clausura 2019 with an even better Apertura 2019, showing attacking flair from the fullback position (he scored 7 goals this year for the Rayos). His success with El Tri boosted his sale price, but Peláez gladly paid it.

Angulo, 22, was purchased from Tijuana this past summer for $4 million dollars and immediately made himself at home in midfield. His on-ball skills and work rate made him a valuable member of the offense. “Canelo” scored 4 goals for the Rayos during the Apertura 2019.

Peña came up through the well-regarded Pachuca system, debuting with the first team as a 20-year old (he’ll turn 24 in January). He proved to be a capable defender, eventually moving to Necaxa in December 2018 on a $2 million-dollar transfer. Peña is solid, though not spectacular, and he should get a close look from Chivas coach Luis Fernando Tena.

So now the Rayos have plenty of pesos to invest heading into the Clausura 2020, but they won’t make rash transfer moves just to spend money. They did already add one new face – Diego “Puma” Chávez, a talented midfielder who became a free agent when Veracruz was disaffiliated from the league – but that only cost $1.5 million dollars.

Still, the Clausura could be a long season for Necaxa fans and they could get a forlorn look at their former heroes on Jan. 4 when the Rayos host Guadalajara in a preseason game.