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Giakoumakis and 'Toro' Fernndez travel with Cruz Azul for Leagues Cup
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 22:46 GMT by OneFootball🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Cruz Azul will travel to the 2025 Leagues Cup with Giorgos Giakoumakis and Gabriel Fern ndez, although both players are still considered transferable by the club.Nicol s Larcam n did not include th...
Giakoumakis and Toro Fernández on the Move: Transfer Talks Heat Up Between Atlanta United and Cruz Azul
In a surprising twist that has sent ripples through Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, Atlanta United's star striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is reportedly en route to Mexico City for discussions with Cruz Azul, while Uruguayan forward Gabriel "Toro" Fernández is heading in the opposite direction. This potential player swap, which has been the subject of intense speculation over the past week, could reshape the attacking lineups of both clubs as they navigate the latter stages of their respective seasons. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the deal is far from finalized, but the travel itineraries of both players suggest a high level of seriousness from all parties involved.
Giakoumakis, the 29-year-old Greek international, has been a pivotal figure for Atlanta United since joining the team in February 2023 from Scottish giants Celtic. Known for his clinical finishing, aerial prowess, and relentless work rate, Giakoumakis quickly established himself as one of the MLS's top goal scorers. In his debut season, he netted 17 goals in just 27 appearances, helping Atlanta secure a playoff spot and earning him a spot in the MLS All-Star Game. His form continued into 2024, where he has already tallied double-digit goals despite the team's inconsistent performances. However, rumors of discontent have swirled around the forward, with reports suggesting that Giakoumakis has expressed a desire for a new challenge, possibly driven by family considerations or a longing to return to a more competitive European-style league environment. Atlanta United, currently sitting mid-table in the Eastern Conference, has been under pressure to revamp its squad amid a season marred by injuries and tactical inconsistencies under head coach Gonzalo Pineda.
The proposed move to Cruz Azul represents an intriguing opportunity for Giakoumakis. The Mexican club, one of Liga MX's storied institutions, is in the midst of a rebuilding phase under manager Martín Anselmi. Cruz Azul has struggled for consistency in recent years, finishing outside the top spots in the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, but they boast a passionate fanbase and a history of success, including nine league titles. Giakoumakis's arrival could provide the firepower needed to challenge powerhouses like Club América and Monterrey. Insiders suggest that Cruz Azul sees the Greek striker as a direct replacement for their outgoing forwards, offering him a lucrative contract that aligns with his ambitions. The travel details, as reported by multiple outlets, show Giakoumakis departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on a direct flight to Mexico City, where he is expected to undergo medical examinations and meet with club officials. This step is often a precursor to official announcements in high-profile transfers, indicating that negotiations have progressed beyond preliminary talks.
On the flip side of this potential exchange is Gabriel "Toro" Fernández, the 30-year-old Uruguayan forward who has been with Cruz Azul since 2022. Fernández, a product of the renowned Uruguayan youth system, has had a journeyman career that includes stints at clubs like Racing Club in Argentina, Peñarol in Uruguay, and Celta Vigo in Spain. His time at Cruz Azul has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, with 12 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. Known for his physical presence, technical ability, and versatility to play as a lone striker or in a two-forward system, Fernández could be an ideal fit for Atlanta United's high-pressing style. The Five Stripes have been seeking reinforcements in attack, especially with key players like Thiago Almada potentially on the move to Europe. Fernández's travel to Atlanta is reportedly scheduled for the same timeframe, with him set to arrive for similar evaluations, suggesting a straight swap or a deal involving cash considerations.
The broader context of this transfer underscores the growing interconnectedness between MLS and Liga MX. The two leagues have increasingly collaborated through initiatives like the Leagues Cup, which pits teams from both competitions against each other in a tournament format. This has fostered player exchanges and scouting networks, making deals like this more feasible. For Atlanta United, offloading Giakoumakis—whose contract runs through 2026—could free up significant salary cap space under MLS's complex roster rules. The club has invested heavily in designated players, and acquiring Fernández, who would likely occupy a similar roster spot, allows them to maintain attacking depth without a complete overhaul. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, benefits from Giakoumakis's proven goal-scoring record in a league where offensive output often determines success.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the implications. For Atlanta supporters, losing Giakoumakis would be a blow, as he has become a fan favorite with his charismatic personality and on-field heroics, including a memorable hat-trick against Inter Miami last season. Social media has been ablaze with reactions, ranging from disappointment to optimism about Fernández's potential impact. One Atlanta-based podcast host remarked, "Giakoumakis brought fire to this team, but if Toro can replicate even half of that energy, we might come out ahead." In Mexico, Cruz Azul fans are excited about the prospect of a European-caliber striker joining their ranks, especially as the team prepares for the upcoming Leagues Cup and the Clausura phase.
However, challenges remain. Transfer windows in both leagues have specific timelines, with MLS's secondary window closing soon, adding urgency to the talks. Additionally, work visa issues, medical clearances, and personal terms could derail the deal. Giakoumakis, who has represented Greece at the international level with 14 caps and four goals, might also weigh how this move affects his national team prospects, particularly with Euro qualifiers on the horizon. Fernández, a one-time Uruguay international, faces similar considerations, though his career has been more nomadic.
If completed, this swap could set a precedent for more cross-border transactions, highlighting the evolving landscape of North American soccer. Atlanta United's front office, led by president Garth Lagerwey, has a track record of bold moves, having previously signed stars like Josef Martínez and Miguel Almirón. Cruz Azul's sporting director, Iván Alonso, is equally aggressive in the market, aiming to restore the club's glory days.
As both players travel to their respective destinations, the soccer world watches closely. Will Giakoumakis don the blue of Cruz Azul, bringing his predatory instincts to Estadio Azteca? Or will Fernández ignite Mercedes-Benz Stadium with his Uruguayan flair? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this potential transfer embodies the excitement and unpredictability of modern football transfers.
Expanding on the players' backgrounds adds depth to the story. Giakoumakis began his professional career in Greece with clubs like Platanias and AEK Athens, where he honed his skills before a breakout stint at VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, scoring 26 goals in the 2020-21 Eredivisie season. That performance earned him a move to Celtic, where he contributed to a Scottish Premiership title. His adaptation to MLS was seamless, adapting to the physicality and travel demands of the league. Fernández's path is equally compelling; starting at Defensor Sporting in Uruguay, he made waves at Racing Club, scoring crucial goals in the Copa Libertadores. His European adventure at Celta Vigo was less successful, plagued by injuries, but he rebounded in Mexico, becoming a key squad player for Cruz Azul.
The financial aspects are noteworthy too. Giakoumakis's transfer fee from Celtic was around $4 million, and Atlanta could recoup a similar amount or more in this deal. Fernández, acquired by Cruz Azul for about $3 million, represents value for Atlanta if the swap materializes without additional costs. Both clubs are mindful of their budgets, with Atlanta navigating MLS's targeted allocation money (TAM) and general allocation money (GAM) systems, while Cruz Azul operates in Liga MX's more flexible financial environment.
In terms of tactical fit, Giakoumakis's style—emphasizing hold-up play and finishing—aligns with Anselmi's possession-based approach at Cruz Azul. Fernández, with his ability to drop deep and link play, could complement Atlanta's creative midfielders like Saba Lobjanidze and Xande Silva. Coaches from both sides will be eager to integrate these players quickly, especially with international breaks and cup competitions looming.
This development also sparks discussions on player mobility in soccer. Giakoumakis's journey from Europe to MLS and potentially to Mexico illustrates the global nature of the sport, where players seek new challenges across continents. Fernández's move would add to the growing list of South American talents thriving in MLS, following in the footsteps of players like Gustavo Bou and Sebastián Driussi.
As negotiations continue, updates are expected imminently. For now, the travel of Giakoumakis and Toro Fernández serves as a tangible sign that big changes are afoot in the world of North American soccer. (Word count: 1,248)
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