Santiago Gimenez Recruits Ex-AC Milan Star for Liga MX Move

Santiago Giménez disclosed that he attempted to support his childhood team Cruz Azul in their bold pursuit of former AC Milan forward Luka Jović.

Reports about Cruz Azul's interest in acquiring the 27-year-old Serbian striker have dominated Liga MX news in recent weeks. The club is allegedly just minor details away from securing Jović as their new forward, in a deal that has been developing since the end of last season.

Cruz Azul's sporting director Ivan Alonso has led the transfer negotiations. Recently, Giménez disclosed that Jović had conversations with him regarding Cruz Azul's attempts to persuade him to join Liga MX.

"During the final weeks of April last season, Luka (Jović) showed me a message from Ivan Alonso," Gimenez stated. "Alonso was messaging him daily, expressing their desire to bring him to Mexico."

"Cruz Azul provided him with promotional videos showcasing the club, so he frequently approached me during practice sessions asking for my opinion. You can imagine what my response was. I explained that it's an exceptional organization, the place where I developed as a player, and that choosing Cruz Azul would bring him great satisfaction because it operates like a family."

Giménez emerged from Cruz Azul's youth system and netted 21 goals across 107 matches for the team. He contributed to La Máquina's squad that broke a 23-year Liga MX championship dry spell in 2021, before transferring to Feyenoord the following year to launch his European career.

Cruz Azul has not secured a league championship since then, but approaches the Apertura 2025 season among the top contenders for the title. Acquiring the former Real Madrid forward would enhance their prospects, and Gimenez offered insights into what Cruz Azul supporters could anticipate from Jović.

"Luka (Jović) is a player who maintains possession when you pass to him. He rarely loses the ball and becomes lethal inside the penalty area. I'm aware that Cruz Azul already has talented strikers, but if Luka arrives, I believe the internal competition will elevate everyone's performance."

The Mexico national team player has consistently demonstrated affection for his former club. Currently, he's doing everything possible to assist Cruz Azul in completing what could be Liga MX's most significant transfer of the summer.