LA Galaxy Insider

Cruz Azul presents Jose Villarreal ahead of expected year-long loan

Jose Villarreal is joining Cruz Azul. 


The 20-year-old striker  was presented alongside new Cruz Azul signings for the upcoming Clausura tournament Rafael Baca, Xavi Baez, Marco Fabian, Michael Farfan, and Fausto Pinto on Saturday afternoon in Mexico.  On Friday, the LA Galaxy declined comment on the reports of Villarreal's move to Mexico, but the club is expected to make an announcement early next week.  


Although there are no official details on the move, it is my understanding that the deal is expected to be a year-long loan for Villarreal with an option for the Mexican side to purchase the forward. This could be a major boost for the Galaxy as Villarreal is likely to attract a hefty fee if he is successful in Mexico which would be used to further strengthen an LA side that fell in the Western Conference Semifinal round in 2013. 


Villarreal made 31 appearances in all competitions in 2013 for the Galaxy, tallying three goals and one assist