Pavel Pérez has officially moved from Club Deportivo Guadalajara, commonly known as Chivas, to Club Necaxa, marking the end of his tenure with the team after three seasons.
The transfer was confirmed by both clubs on December 30, 2024, following weeks of speculation surrounding Pérez's future. Chivas announced the news via their social media channels, reflecting on his contributions to the club.
During his time at Chivas, Pérez participated in 79 matches, finding the net five times and providing four assists. While his youth career with the organization showed great promise, his transition to the first team had its challenges. The 26-year-old midfielder struggled to secure consistent playing time, particularly during the last season, where he played only six matches, with just one as a starter.
“Gracias por tu dedicación y entrega desde que comenzaste tu historia en la cantera rojiblanca. Mucho éxito en tu camino, Pavel,” Chivas expressed through their official channels, thanking him for his service as they bid farewell.
These challenges with playing time were due to his positioning on the field. Though starting out as a creative midfielder, managing to occupy roles as both a left winger and sometimes as a more defensive midfielder, Pérez could not consistently establish himself as a starting player. His last season saw him overshadowed by Cade Cowell, who claimed the left-wing spot, relegated him to bench duty.
Chivas is undergoing significant restructuring of their roster as they prepare for the upcoming Clausura 2025 tournament. Pérez’s departure adds to the growing list of exits, which already includes players like Santiago Ormeño and Antonio Briseño. It appears the management is focusing on refreshing the squad’s dynamics to improve upon last season’s performance.
Pérez moves to Necaxa, where he will rejoin training immediately as the team begins preparing for the new season under the guidance of new head coach Nicolás Larcamón . Necaxa's management welcomed Pérez with open arms, stating, “¡Bienvenido Pavel! El mediocampista mexicano ya es parte de los Rayos, de cara al Clausura 2025. Bienvenido!”
For Pérez, the transfer marks the beginning of new opportunities, with the hope of revitalizing his career after challenging years at Chivas. He is expected to contribute his skills to the midfield at Necaxa, which sees potential for him to thrive. His past experience includes stints with teams like CD Toledo and during his time at Tepatitlán FC, where Pérez emerged as a key player, winning two league titles, showcasing his capability to perform at various levels.
The upcoming season may well define Pérez’s future. His performance at Necaxa could rewrite the narrative of his career, allowing him to fully tap his potential as he seeks to integrate his offensive prowess and tactical skills within the teams' strategy. Chivas, on the other hand, will look to replace him with new signings as they plot their course forward.
With Pérez’s exit, Chivas continues to maintain focus on rebuilding, having made limited moves so far, with Miguel Tapias being the only new addition officially announced. Negotiations for other players are reportedly underway as Chivas looks to bolster its lineup, indicating significant changes are on the horizon.
The restructuring phase is not just about bringing in new talent; it’s also determining which players fit the vision for the club moving forward. The team must strike the right balance between maintaining experience and nurturing new talent as they prepare for the new challenges of the Liga MX.
Conclusively, Pérez's transfer to Necaxa is more than just a shift of clubs; it reflects the ever-changing dynamics of the Liga MX, underscoring the importance of adaptability for players and teams alike as they navigate through success and challenges.