Ricardo Marín, the forward who has struggled to find his footing at Chivas, is set to leave the club for a year-long loan to Puebla FC. This decision arises from the oversaturated forward lineup at Guadalajara, especially following the recent signing of veteran player Alan Pulido. The intention behind the move is clear: allow Marín the opportunity to gain valuable playing time and experience, which he could leverage upon his return to Chivas.
Marín’s record with Chivas is noteworthy yet underwhelming; he has netted only 11 goals across 59 matches. His first match of the Clausura 2025 season against Santos Laguna was particularly disappointing, as he missed several clear opportunities to score, leading to his eventual benching by coach Óscar García. Up-and-coming talents like Teun Wilke and Armando González are favored to inherit starting roles, alongside the seasoned Chicharito Hernández and Pulido.
According to Mexsport, "Ricardo Marín, el delantero que apenas y tiene 11 goles en 59 partidos con Chivas, dejará el club para irse a préstamo con el Puebla por un año.” With his performances failing to meet the expectations of the fans and coaching staff, the move to Puebla presents him with new prospects.
Chivas has opted for youth development, allowing Marín, who has struggled since his arrival at the club during the Apertura 2023, to gain the minutes he desperately needs. He scored four goals during his first season but saw those numbers drop significantly over the subsequent tournaments, indicating a downward trend.
The strategic decision also addresses the dynamic at the club, which is now focused on leveraging their young talents as well as their veteran players. With key forwards like Chicharito and Pulido, Marín's role was diminishing, and hence, this loan to Puebla provides him with the breathing room to develop. It’s worth noting, as articulated by Liga MX results reporters, "La llegada de Alan Pulido complicó la presencia de Marín en el Guadalajara." This reshuffling sets the stage for both Marín and Chivas to revisit options at the end of the loan period.
Marín himself is motivated by the chance to prove himself at Puebla. Although his prior seasons were characterized more by contributions through assists and teamwork than outright scoring, this could be the call to arms Marín needs to revitalize his career. While at Chivas, he also marked his place by scoring the historic 4,000th goal for the club, creating memorable moments for fans. Nonetheless, he has faced increasing pressure due to his overall goal-scoring average, which hovers significantly below expectations at just 3.6 goals per tournament.
The upcoming loan is expected to improve not just Marín’s game, but also provide the Puebla FC with additional offensive options. Over at Puebla, the coach Pablo Guede sees this as a timely acquisition to bolster the team’s attacking line; currently, the squad relies heavily on Emiliano Gómez as their sole striker option. The inclusion of Marín adds depth and potential scoring prowess to their lineup.
What's engaging about this transition is the potential win-win for both the player and teams involved. Chivas retains rights to Marín, holding onto the option to evaluate his performance through the year. If his time at Puebla yields positive results, the plan to reintegrate him could solidify the team’s forward line for upcoming seasons.
Although Marín’s initial run with Chivas was marred by underperformance, the horizon now looks different. His upcoming season at Puebla, set to kick off shortly, allows him the chance to showcase his talents, and if successful, may earn him greater opportunities upon his return to Guadalajara.
With the official announcement expected soon, fans of both Chivas and Puebla will be watching closely. Will this be the breakthrough for Marín? Only time will tell, but this strategic shift marks yet another chapter in his budding career within Liga MX.