Chivas Guadalajara is gearing up for the Clausura 2025 season, showing intent to bolster their roster significantly through the potential transfer of midfielder Orbelín Pineda from AEK Athens. Recent developments indicate the negotiation process has been intense, with Chivas reportedly ready to pay around $13 million to secure Pineda's return to Mexico.
Despite being started as key player for AEK Athens, particularly noted during their recent match where he received support from fans, Pineda’s expected move has become the focal point for Chivas' pre-season strategy. According to Fernando Cevallos, sports journalist for Fox Sports, "Agreement almost total with Orbelín Pineda to return to Mexico and wear the sacred red and white again… We just need to finalize the agreement with AEK, but Chivas' management is confident to finalize the signing very soon." This optimism, though, is mingled with uncertainty as some fans question when, or if, Pineda will actually don the Chivas jersey again.
The excitement surrounding Pineda’s potential return stems from his past successes with Chivas, where he played from 2016 to 2021, contributing to the team’s triumphs including winning the Liga MX title and the Concachampions. His two-year stint abroad saw him play for clubs such as Celta de Vigo and AEK, yet his connection to Chivas remains strong as fans eagerly anticipate his rejoining.
Chivas’ management is under pressure to finalize the deal soon, as reported timelines suggest they hope to reach an agreement with AEK by the first week of January, allowing Pineda to participate fully in the team's preseason preparations. Nevertheless, Pineda’s current standing as a starter for AEK has introduced complications, raising concerns about the likelihood of him leaving the Greek league. "Orbelín Pineda was confirmed as starter for the match against Atromitos, which may signal AEK's intention to retain him for the moment," noted the coverage surrounding his performance.
The transfer saga has had its fair share of obstacles; previously, teams interested like Rayados were unable to meet AEK's financial demands, which resulted in heightened tension among fans who genuinely want to see Pineda reunite with Chivas. Given the substantial fee and the competing interests from both AEK and Pineda, the negotiations appear complicated yet feasible.
Compounding the situation, there are rumors of other players on Chivas’s radar. With speculation already running rampant, if the Pineda deal falls through, Chivas might turn to alternatives like Jordi Cortizo from Rayados or Sebastián Córdova from Tigres, both of whom have had mixed responses from Chivas fans due to their less illustrious records compared to Pineda.
Conclusion: The coming days will be pivotal for Chivas as they navigate these negotiations. With fan excitement bubbling, the return of Orbelín Pineda could enliven the squad’s chances for success next season. Whether Pineda transitions back to Liga MX remains to be seen, but the anticipation reflects the heavy expectations on Chivas’s ability to secure talent suited to compete at the highest levels of Mexican football.
