Monterrey and Pumas have been on the hunt for a new striker all summer, and had their ambitions dented with the latest target opting for a move within Europe.
Andrea Belotti, 31, was once one of the deadliest strikers within Europe's top 5 leagues. Making a name for himself with Torino, the Italian international spent seven years at the club, scoring 100 goals in 232 matches. Despite earning attention from some of the biggest clubs in world football, Belotti stayed at the club until 2022, when he headed for the capital to join Roma.
With the Giallorossi, Belotti struggled to adjust, scoring three goals in 45 appearances before spending a season with Fiorentina. In Florence, the striker mirrored his form in the capital, scoring another three goals in 15 games for the club.
After underwhelming spells with Roma and Fiorentina, he signed for newly-promoted Como in search of regular minutes and renewed confidence in front of goal. Here, Belotti struggled once more, playing 18 games for the club in its first season back in Serie A, but only finding the back of the net twice.
By 2024, Belotti had tried his luck in Italy and decided it was time to look elsewhere. That's why he put pen to paper for a move to Portugal, where he joined giants Benfica. In the Portuguese capital, he remained a peripheral figure, playing 14 games for the club and also scoring twice.
This summer, back at Como after a loan spell in Lisbon, Belotti was informed that he was surplus to requirements by manager Cesc FΓ bregas.
Despite having five years of inconsistency, the 2020 UEFA European Champion caught the eye of clubs far and wide. Two of those potential suitors were Liga MX sides Monterrey and Pumas.
Monterrey have been on the search for depth in attack, looking to sign a European forward to accompany GermΓ‘n Berterame. In the case of Pumas, they are searching for a new striker to lead the line, someone they can rely on for goals this season, having only netted seven goals in as many games.
However, hopes of signing the Italian were crushed this week as the European transfer window came to an end, as Andrea Belotti opted to stay in Italy and sign with Serie A side Cagliari.
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The deal is set to be another one-year loan, as he hopes to rediscover his form at Torino to help his nation qualify for next summer's FIFA World Cup.
As for Monterrey and Pumas, the search for a new talisman remains. Both clubs seem focused on signing an attacker with European experience, and now the transfer window has closed for many clubs, could present the perfect opportunity for the two sides to convince players to make the move before the Mexican transfer window closes on Friday 12 September.
Will Monterrey and Pumas manage to sign new forwards before the end of the window? Let us know what you think!