Liga MX Clausura 2025: Best Transfers | OneFootball

The Liga MX Clausura got underway this past weekend and there have been widespread changes to teams far and wide as they look to increase their chances of silverware this season.

Club América lifted the most recent Liga MX title, picking up the 2024 Apertura and have been crowned champions for the last three Mexican campaigns.

Which are the biggest and best signings as teams look to dethrone Las Águilas?

5. Nelson Deossa - Pachuca to Monterrey

Pachuca v America - Concacaf Champions Cup 2024 | Manuel Velasquez/GettyImages

A deal that flew under the radar this winter was Pachuca’s creative midfielder Nelson Deossa making the move to Monterrey.The Colombian playmaker was a standout during the 2023/24 season, racking up 12 goal contributions after arriving from Atlético Huila. Capping off a stellar campaign with Los Tuzos, Deossa played a key role in their 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup triumph, even notching an assist in the final against the Columbus Crew.However, the Apertura told a different story. Deossa struggled to replicate his form in a Pachuca side that missed out on the playoffs, emblematic of the club’s recent decline. Now, the 24-year-old becomes the latest star to leave the squad since their continental success last summer.Deossa joins Martín Demichelis’ impressive midfield lineup at Monterrey, featuring the likes of teenage sensation Iker Fimbres, ex-Real Madrid maestro Sergio Canales, and former UEFA Europa League winners Lucas Ocampos and Óliver Torres.

4. Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla - Houston Dynamo to Pumas

Vancouver Whitecaps FC v Houston Dynamo FC | Alex Slitz/GettyImages

Pumas said goodbye to talented attacker César Huerta this winter as the Mexican international signed for Belgian club Anderlecht. Replacing 'Chino', the club headed to the United States as they decided on Panamanian Adalberto Carrasquilla. The 26-year-old started his career in his hometown of Panama City with Tauro FC before signing for Spanish third-division club FC Cartagena. Two years in Spain was enough before catching the attention of MLS side Houston Dynamos. In 2023, Carrasquilla helped the club lift the MLS Open Cup for the second time in their history, beating Inter Miami in the final. On the international stage, the Panamanian midfielder shone during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and a spot in the Best XI. He further showcased his talent in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals, where he was also named to the Best XI, solidifying his reputation as one of the region’s top midfielders.Will he be able to take Pumas beyond the quarterfinals of the Liguilla?

3. Luka Romero - AC Milan to Cruz Azul

Deportivo Alaves v Real Betis Balompie - La Liga EA Sports | Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages

Luka Romero’s move is on the brink of completion, with the attacker spotted in Mexico City ahead of the switch.Born in Durango, Mexico, Romero relocated to Andalusia, Spain, at a young age alongside his footballer father, Diego Romero.At just 15 years old, he made history as the youngest-ever debutant for RCD Mallorca before signing for Italian side Lazio. In 2021, Romero continued his record-breaking streak, becoming the youngest player to feature for Lazio.After two seasons in Rome, Romero joined seven-time UEFA Champions League winners AC Milan but has spent much of his time on loan, turning out for UD Almería and Deportivo Alavés.Now 20, Romero is brimming with potential, which Martín Anselmi will look to unlock. La Máquina topped the Apertura regular season standings, boasting the league’s most prolific attack. This move aims to bolster their offensive depth as they push to go one step further and secure the 2025 Clausura title.

2. Jesús 'Chiquete' Orozco - Chivas to Cruz Azul

Chivas v Pumas UNAM - Torneo Apertura 2024 Liga MX | Simon Barber/GettyImages

One of the standout surprises this winter was Cruz Azul's bold move to pursue promising young defender Jesús Orozco from Chivas.Los Rojiblancos endured a forgettable Apertura campaign, finishing 10th and missing out on the Liguilla. The disappointment was compounded by Fernando Gago’s departure as head coach and a pair of derby defeats to city rivals Atlas.Amid the gloom, Chiquete emerged as a rare bright spot—a composed and mature central defender with excellent ball-playing ability. However, the 22-year-old had different plans for his career.Rumours of European interest began swirling in the summer but were quickly shut down before the Apertura kicked off. Fast forward to the end of the season, and speculation reignited—this time with Cruz Azul as a surprise suitor reportedly tabling a $10 million offer.Following La Máquina’s Clausura opener, a 1-1 draw with Atlas, Chiquete was an unused substitute but is expected to make his debut this week when the team travels to Juárez.

1. James Rodríguez - Free Agent to Club León

Club Leon Unveils James Rodriguez As New Player | Leopoldo Smith/GettyImages

The most significant move of the season emerged from Guanajuato, as Club León secured the signature of Colombian playmaker James Rodríguez. James captivated the world during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, sharing the Golden Boot after netting six goals. This stellar performance earned him a transfer to Real Madrid, where he contributed to two UEFA Champions League triumphs. In 2020, he embarked on a two-year loan to Bayern Munich, adding two Bundesliga titles to his accolades, though a permanent move didn't materialise.The past five years have been somewhat turbulent for the Colombian. A promising spell at Everton ended prematurely following a fallout with manager Rafa Benítez. Subsequent stints in Qatar, Greece, and Brazil followed before he captained Colombia at the 2024 Copa América. There, James provided six assists in six games, rekindling memories of his earlier brilliance, and was honoured as the tournament's best player.Following the Copa América, he joined Rayo Vallecano in Madrid, but after seven appearances, his contract was terminated, leaving him in search of a new club. Now, at 33, James aims to rejuvenate his career in Mexico, striving to lead León back to the Liguilla and secure their first Liga MX title since 2021. León is set to commence their Clausura campaign this weekend against Atlas at Estadio Jalisco. Fans eagerly anticipate whether James will make his debut in this fixture.