Héctor Herrera is poised to make a significant return to Liga MX, marking the end of over eleven years playing soccer abroad. The talented midfielder, who has experienced notable success overseas, is reportedly closing in on signing with the Deportivo Toluca, one of the most storied clubs in Mexican soccer.
According to multiple sources, including sports journalist César Luis Merlo, negotiations between Herrera and Toluca have progressed to the point where both parties are nearing formal agreement. If finalized, Herrera will reunite with the league after leaving the Pachuca Tuzos, his first professional club, back in 2012.
At 34 years old, Herrera is seeking to revitalize his career following his departure from Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer (MLS), where he encountered difficulties including disciplinary issues related to on-field conduct. This tumultuous ending to his MLS tenure saw him not renewed, leaving him as a free agent and presenting Toluca with the opportunity to add him to their squad for the upcoming Clausura 2025 tournament.
Herrera’s career has been highlighted by numerous achievements, including stints at both Port and Atlético Madrid, where he helped his teams secure various titles. Among his notable accolades are championships spanning from Portugal’s Primeira Liga to Spain’s LaLiga.
This transfer could potentially make him the highest-paid Mexican player on the Toluca roster, surpassing current wage holder Canelo Angulo, who earns just over 13 million pesos annually. Reports suggest Toluca may need to adjust their budget substantially to accommodate Herrera’s financial expectations, particularly if he is to serve as the pivotal central midfielder they are seeking.
Rejoining the Liga MX also brings nostalgia for Herrera, reminiscent of his days at Pachuca, where he began his soccer career. His professional path led him from the regional success of Pachuca to the challenges and achievements found within European leagues. It's well-documented how Herrera blossomed, gaining traction and expertise during his time competing internationally.
The appointment of new coach Antonio Mohamed at Toluca signifies the club's intent to reshape its lineup. After previous disappointing seasons, the arrival of Herrera is viewed as not just reinforcement but also as bringing valuable leadership to the squad.
Reports indicate the arrival of Herrera aligns with the club's current needs, particularly following the expected departure of midfielder Claudio Baeza, who has reportedly fallen out of favor under Mohamed's strategy. Herrera’s vast experience presents Toluca with not only talent on the field but also mentorship opportunities for younger players on the squad.
Fans of the Diablos Rojos have remained hopeful for this potential signing, reiteratively expressing their desire for Herrera to return. The infusion of his talent and experience could be exactly what Toluca needs to emerge as formidable competitors within the Liga MX sentiment.
While the details remain incomplete, the anticipation surrounding this potential move adds excitement to the fast-approaching Clausura tournament. Herrera's return to Liga MX isn’t merely sports news; it symbolizes opportunity and hope for both the player and the club's supporters.
With the clock ticking down to the season's start, Toluca looks to finalize the agreements necessary to officially welcome Herrera back to the field where he first made his name. The merger of his seasoned play style with the fresh ambitions of Toluca under Mohamed could mark both the resurgence of the player and the revitalization of the storied club.
