Is Cruz Azul Really Targeting Hirving “Chucky” Lozano? Transfer Rumors Shake Liga MX in 2026

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is once again at the center of the transfer market as 2026 begins, with conflicting reports surrounding a potential move to Cruz Azul. The Mexican winger, a two-time World Cup veteran, is facing a period of uncertainty after a turbulent year in Major League Soccer.

Lozano reached the pinnacle of his career at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when he scored Mexico’s historic winning goal against Germany. Since then, he has played for PSV Eindhoven and Napoli, but in recent seasons his performances have been questioned for failing to reach that same elite level.

The start of 2026 has been particularly chaotic. After just one season with San Diego FC — the club that signed him as their first-ever franchise player — Lozano has fallen out of favor with head coach Mikey Varas. The MLS side is now exploring options to sell him or send him out on loan during the current transfer window.

Rumors of Cruz Azul’s interest originated from ESPN journalist John Sutcliffe. During the program Enfocados, Sutcliffe stated that La Máquina had entered the race for Lozano, amid San Diego FC’s willingness to part ways with the winger. According to the report, the American club prefers a permanent transfer but is also open to a loan deal. Sutcliffe added that MLS teams such as LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo are monitoring the situation, although he pointed to Cruz Azul as the most serious suitor.

However, a contrasting version quickly emerged. TUDN reporter Adrián Esparza Oteo revealed that Lozano was recently offered to Cruz Azul and that the club rejected the opportunity — a stance echoed by a report from Fox Sports. This version suggests that the interest may not be as concrete as initially believed.

Adding to the complexity, clubs such as América, Chivas and Pachuca have also ruled out pursuing Lozano due to tactical concerns and his high salary, estimated at around $7 million per year.

With contradictory reports and no official movement yet, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano’s future remains uncertain. Whether Cruz Azul truly intends to pursue him or the rumors fade away, his next move will be one of the most closely watched stories in the Liga MX transfer market in 2026.