OneFootball
Seamus Leonard·5 December 2021
OneFootball
Seamus Leonard·5 December 2021
As the end of the year approaches, three Chivas defenders will return from loan deals to learn of their fate for next season.
The Flock are not likely to spend big during the transfer window, and therefore may offer those who have been elsewhere of late the opportunity to stake their claim for a first-team place.
Josecarlos van Rankin was sent out to Portland Timbers after failing to impress previous manager Víctor Manuel Vucetich.
The right-back has made the most of his time in the MLS, racking up 33 appearances and helping the Oregon side to defeat Real Salt Lake in Saturday’s Western Conference final.
Van Rankin is almost certain to start next weekend’s MLS Cup final against New York City FC.
Recent reports claim that Chivas boss Marcelo Michel Leaño would like to incorporate the 28-year-old into his squad for the 2022 Clausura.
Another man who spent this year north of the border is Oswaldo Alanís.
The veteran centre-back made 25 league appearances for San Jose Earthquakes. It is believed that Leaño is open to the idea of using the 32-year-old.
However the biggest question mark hangs over the possible return of Alexis Peña, who spent 2021 at Cruz Azul after being banished by Los Rojiblancos for off-field issues.
Peña has expressed his desire to remain with La Máquina, but Cruz do not have the cash Chivas would demand for the 25-year-old.
However given his past issues and his stated wish to stay in the capital, it may suit all parties to come up with a compromise that allow Chivas and the player to sever ties completely.