Cruz Azul Pushes Talks for Agustín Palavecino as Clausura 2026 Opener Nears

With just one week remaining before the start of the Clausura 2026, Cruz Azul have yet to officially announce any new signings, but the picture is beginning to clear at La Noria. All signs indicate that the arrival of Agustín Palavecino is close to being finalized and could become La Máquina’s first reinforcement for the new tournament.

The Argentine midfielder did not feature for Necaxa in their recent friendly against León, a clear signal that his departure is already in motion. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul are working through the final administrative details, as the club must first free up a Non-Homegrown player slot to formally complete the deal.

Since the end of the Apertura 2025, Palavecino has been one of Nicolás Larcamón’s top priorities. The Argentine coach knows the midfielder well from their time together at Necaxa and is eager to recreate the midfield chemistry he once built alongside José Paradela.

Cruz Azul’s board sees Palavecino as a key piece to strengthen the center of the pitch. His profile fits perfectly with Larcamón’s tactical vision, and his arrival would inject greater rhythm, distribution and balance into the team ahead of Clausura 2026.

Necaxa have valued Agustín Palavecino at around eight million dollars. In response, Cruz Azul submitted an offer that includes midfielder Lorenzo Faravelli as part of the transaction. Faravelli has lost prominence in recent months and would welcome a move to regain a regular starting role.

At Necaxa, head coach Martín Varini views Faravelli as an attractive option to reinforce the midfield, although the Rayos’ board have not yet accepted the proposal. While there is still no definitive agreement, Palavecino’s absence from Necaxa’s latest friendly strongly suggests that the transfer is already at an advanced stage. Cruz Azul remain confident that the deal will be unlocked in the coming days.