World Cup Champion and Premier League Stars Lead Liga MX's Five Blockbuster Signings for Apertura 2025
The Liga MX Apertura 2025 campaign has arrived, and clubs have been actively strengthening their squads with new additions as the summer transfer period remains open.
Several teams have already unveiled significant acquisitions in their quest to challenge defending champions Toluca. Many others remain engaged in ongoing discussions to secure marquee players, with potential announcements expected even after the season kicks off.
Following a winter transfer period that brought stars like Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez to Mexico's premier division, additional internationally recognized talents have made their way to Liga MX during this summer window.
From promising young prospects moving between domestic clubs to established former European league veterans, all 18 Liga MX franchises have experienced an active transfer period.
Below are Sports Illustrated's selections for the five most significant transfers in Liga MX heading into the Apertura 2025 campaign.
5. Efraín Álvarez
Former Club: Tijuana
Current Club: Chivas
Efraín Álvarez emerged as one of Tijuana's standout performers following his arrival in summer 2023. The former LA Galaxy academy graduate poses a constant threat along the right flank with his pace and technical dribbling abilities. He ranks among the league's premier creative wingers and should assist Chivas in regaining their competitive status during the Apertura 2025.
The 23-year-old Mexico national team player was destined for a move to a larger club this season, with Chivas ultimately prevailing over fierce rivals Club América in the race for his services. Álvarez joins El Rebaño following his triumphant 2025 Gold Cup campaign.
4. Isaías Violante
Former Club: Toluca
Current Club: Club América
Las Águilas shifted their focus after missing out on Álvarez and successfully secured what could be an even more compelling prospect in Liga MX champion Isaías Violante from Toluca.
Although Violante made only three starts during the Clausura 2025, he became a consistent substitute for the defending champions. The versatile 21-year-old, who can operate on both flanks, demonstrated tremendous potential through his frequent appearances off the bench last season.
With several attacking players departing Las Águilas, Violante now has an opportunity to earn regular playing time under André Jardine's guidance.
3. José Paradela
Former Club: Necaxa
Current Club: Cruz Azul
Necaxa's remarkable transformation from 13th place in Apertura 2024 to fifth place and near-semifinalists in Clausura 2025 cannot be understood without acknowledging José Paradela's exceptional contributions.
The ex-River Plate player joined Necaxa at the beginning of 2024 but truly flourished in 2025. During the previous season, he recorded eight goals and eight assists across 19 appearances, driving Los Rayos' fairy-tale campaign.
Nicolás Larcamon maximized Paradela's potential at Necaxa. When the Argentine coach moved to Cruz Azul for Apertura 2025, he ensured he brought along one of Mexico's top-flight's finest attacking midfielders.
2. Aaron Ramsey
In one of Liga MX's most surprising transfers in recent memory, longtime Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will join Pumas despite many believing his playing career had concluded.
The former Wales captain featured for Cardiff City last season but assumed caretaker manager duties for the final three matches of the campaign. Although the Welsh club suffered relegation from the Championship, Ramsey received an opportunity to move to Liga MX, where he'll resume his playing career.
The 34-year-old veteran could establish an intriguing midfield partnership with Panama international Adalberto Carrasquilla at Pumas. Ramsey expressed his enthusiasm, stating he's "excited to play and be a part of this historic club". The experienced player aims to help Efraín Juárez's squad return to prominence following recent disappointing campaigns.
1. Ángel Correa
It's rare for an active World Cup winner to join Liga MX, but Tigres accomplished the summer's most prestigious signing by acquiring Ángel Correa from Atlético Madrid.
Correa completed a successful decade-long career with Diego Simeone's squad. His 469 matches for Atléti represent the second-highest total by a non-Spanish player in the club's history, trailing only Jan Oblak. Despite his extensive time in Spain, Correa is merely 30 years old and retains significant value for a Tigres team expected to compete for championships.
The 2022 World Cup winner joins a club featuring one of Mexico's strongest rosters, but with club legend André-Pierre Gignac approaching retirement, Correa could emerge as the focal point of one of Liga MX's most successful franchises over the past decade.