Bryan Colula Set to Leave Mazatlán FC and Join Club León for Liga MX Clausura 2026

The Liga MX winter transfer window is heating up, and one of the most notable names on the move is Bryan Colula, a consistent and reliable presence at Mazatlán FC in recent seasons. The 29-year-old right back, developed in Club América’s youth system, is close to finalizing a move to Club León ahead of the Clausura 2026 tournament. His expected departure comes amid a major structural shift in Mexican football, as Atlante prepares to acquire Mazatlán’s Liga MX franchise, a decision that will reshape the current roster.

The approval by the Liga MX Owners’ Assembly for Atlante to purchase Mazatlán’s place in the top division has triggered a significant squad reorganization. While Atlante plans its administrative return to Liga MX, several Mazatlán players are seeking new destinations to remain in the first division. Among them, Colula stands out as one of the most attractive options due to his age, experience, and steady performance in high-pressure environments.

For Club León, the move makes strategic sense. After missing out on the Liguilla, the Esmeraldas are rebuilding under Ignacio Ambriz, who has returned to lead the project. Strengthening the right side of the defense is a priority, and Colula fits the profile perfectly: a Liga MX-proven fullback capable of contributing immediately. Reports indicate León is preparing a two-year contract, part of a broader defensive overhaul aimed at restoring competitiveness.

Since joining Mazatlán in 2021, Colula has become a cornerstone of the team. He has logged more than 130 official appearances, contributing eight goals and two assists, impressive numbers for a defender whose primary role is maintaining defensive solidity. Over the past year, his statistical output places him among the league’s most dependable right backs in defensive duels and aerial challenges.

The potential transfer also carries a personal dimension. Ambriz was the coach who gave Colula his Liga MX debut with Necaxa in 2017, making this move a reunion between player and manager. Now more mature and tactically refined, Colula offers a balanced profile: disciplined defending, timely attacking runs, and quiet leadership in the locker room.

At Mazatlán, Colula became a symbol of professionalism during an era marked by instability and frequent coaching changes. He renewed his contract in 2024 and remained a starter even as the club struggled to find consistency. With Mazatlán’s identity changing following the Atlante acquisition, his exit feels like a natural outcome of the transition.

For León, signing Colula represents a bet on stability and reliability. Under Ambriz’s system, fullbacks are expected to defend aggressively while choosing the right moments to support the attack—an area where the Veracruz native has shown steady growth. If the deal is completed, Colula could quickly compete for a starting role in Liga MX and the Leagues Cup.

From a career perspective, the move arrives at a crucial moment. Approaching his thirties, Colula is likely securing one of his final long-term contracts in Liga MX. Transitioning from an uncertain institutional environment to the stability of Grupo Pachuca’s ecosystem could allow him to extend his prime years and solidify his legacy as one of the league’s most dependable defenders.