Who will be the next Andre-Pierre Gignac?
It’s a question that continues to arise for Liga MX fans who have become enamored with the French striker. Since his historic signing with Tigres in June of 2015, Gignac has taken Mexico by storm with two league titles and one CONCACAF Champions League title.
In a very short amount of time, the 31-year-old has already become a well-respected and beloved legend in Liga MX. No matter the cost of the investment, Tigres’ decision to bring in Gignac has clearly been beneficial for all involved.
So, as mentioned beforehand, who’s next? Although it will be difficult for any name to recreate the kind of impact the French superstar has made, we’ve made a list of five other European players – five choices, to a certain extent -- who we would love to see in Liga MX:
Cristian Tello, 25, Winger -- Fiorentina (Serie A)
Tello is the exact kind of player that would thrive in Mexico. It’s easy to imagine the speedy and technical dribbler running down the wings for one of Liga MX’s top clubs. Even in a stacked and talented team like Tigres, the Spaniard would be capable of stealing the spotlight.
Unfortunately for those who are wondering if Tello will be moving to Mexico after rumors of joining Tigres, his agent quickly shut them down earlier this month. Fiorentina still has the potential to keep the player on loan, and if that falls through, Tello has another year left on his contract with Barcelona.
You can’t help but dream of the goal or assist tally the explosive winger would post during what could be a seamless transition to Liga MX, but with Tello soon be turning 26, a trip to Mexico might not be out of the question.
That said, Liga MX clubs will likely continue to eye the player, who might be out of a contract in 12 months.
Sebastian Giovinco, 30, Striker -- Toronto FC (MLS)
While he is no longer playing in Europe, there’s no denying the incredible qualities of Toronto FC’s best attacker.
Like Tello, the striker would have no problems excelling in Mexico. Giovinco is fast, brilliant with his ball control and deadly with free kicks. The Italian would also be able to win over countless Mexican fans with his flashy passing and dribbling.
Although it might be a risk to leave MLS, it could also be tempting for the former Juventus player, who is now aware of the higher level of play south of the border. Depending on which team he would move to, a CONCACAF Champions League title might also be within reach.
Also, now that Giovinco is in his 30s, it might be beneficial for Toronto to consider letting him go. With an immense amount of talent at hand, Liga MX clubs would likely pay top dollar for the “Atomic Ant.”
NEXT: Theproven French formula and a legend of El Real
Hatem Ben Arfa, 30, Attacking Midfielder/Striker -- PSG (Ligue 1)
Things didn’t go as planned for Ben Arfa this season. After signing a two-year contract with PSG in the summer of 2016, the 30-year-old only earned five league starts.
Could a move to Mexico help his lack of playing time?
The French player is a well-rounded attacker who could play in a number of positions. Despite providing little defensively, Ben Arfa may mesh will in a league that as high-pressing and intense as Mexico’s first division.
Recent disappointing season aside, Liga MX fans would also fall in love with the incredible dribbling abilities which were on display for Nice one season ago.
Another big factor is the potential influence of Gignac. In the past, Ben Arfa and Gignac have played together with Marseille and the French national team. If Gignac has thrived after his move to Liga MX, would Ben Arfa consider an offer from Mexico?
Iker Casillas, 36, Goalkeeper -- Porto (Primeira Liga)
Whether he be 36 or 40 years of age, Casillas would be a monumental addition to Liga MX.
Without question, the veteran would become the best goalkeeper in Mexico. For those who feel the Spanish icon might be too old, it’s important to keep in mind that he was born in the same year as Cruz Azul’s current starting goalkeeper, Jose de Jesus Corona.
Thanks to his impressive diving and reflexes, Casillas has continued to be a world-class player for Porto over his past two seasons. However, the Portuguese club and Casillas have yet to confirm a potential one-year extension of his contract that is about to end.
If a Liga MX club is thinking of shelling out cash for a big foreign capture this summer, owners should seriously consider the goalkeeping legend that might soon be available.
Mario Balotelli, 26, Striker -- Nice (Ligue 1)
Now this is something that is close to a Gignac-level signing, if not bigger. Bringing in Balotelli is a long shot, especially when you consider a recent season that included 17 goals in all competitions.
When the striker decides to step up, there are few who are able to contain the powerful Italian with accurate finishing. Similar to others on this list, Balotelli’s contract ends this month, and you’ll rarely find any Mexican side that would be willing to overlook a player of this magnitude.
Is Balotelli joining Liga MX a realistic consideration? Perhaps. There might be a number of high-profile clubs in Europe that would be hesitant to bring in the larger-than-life character. Yet, it would also be surprising to see Balotelli and his agent Mino Raiola agree to a move from Ligue 1 to a destination like Mexico.
Either way, that shouldn’t stop Liga MX clubs from trying. Money talks, and if the soccer gods can somehow find a way for Balotelli to move to Mexico, the arrival would be larger and more significant than Gignac’s in 2015.
