Unfortunately, the 36-year-old Mexican coach had to leave his position at the Colombian club, La Máquina Verde. In this context, we reveal that Efraín Juárez had his eye on a specific Atlético Nacional player, leaving this Mexican footballer disappointed to miss the opportunity to join the team. It would have been an interesting gamble, although convincing him to leave Liga MX would never have been an easy task.
We have already seen the resignation of Efraín Juárez from Atlético Nacional, as well as his reasons and comments regarding this decision. Nonetheless, the Mexican coach was intent on strengthening his squad, especially in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Copa Libertadores and replicating the success of a previous double, winning both the Liga BetPlay Dimayor and the Copa Colombia.
However, this all fell apart, as Juárez is no longer the head coach of Atlético Nacional. Players like Monterrey’s Johan Rojas and Cruz Azul’s Camilo Cándido were waiting for Juárez’s call, but the coach was also looking for Mexican talent to join his ranks.
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It is worth noting that Juárez only managed 27 matches during his tenure at Atlético Nacional, recording 15 wins, 7 draws and 5 defeats. His contract was due to run until December 2025. Meanwhile, the Libertadores had generated great enthusiasm among supporters, eager to see the team take advantage of its current squad, which has previously celebrated two titles in the coveted championship.
So who was the Mexican player that Efraín Juárez had in mind? It turns out that Juárez had targeted Ángel Rico, a young midfielder for Pumas UNAM. At just 20 years old, Rico is starting to prove himself in Liga MX but could have moved into South American football.
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Reports from Colombia indicate that Juárez had earmarked Ángel Jesús Rico Reyes as a potential recruit. According to a source, Juárez was considering “the possibility of incorporating the young Pumas midfielder UNAM. The Mexican was considered an option to strengthen the Verdolaga squad during this transfer window.
Although Ángel Rico made his debut under coach Gustavo Lema due to the under-21 rule, his playing time has fluctuated, and his future with the Pumas remains uncertain. Thus, Efraín Juárez intended to offer a one-year loan without a purchase option, while guaranteeing Rico playing time on the field. Juárez saw Rico as an ideal replacement after the departure of Uruguayan player Pablo Ceppelini during this transfer market.
But how does Ángel Rico play? The 20-year-old midfielder is versatile enough to play as a central midfielder or in a more advanced role, displaying excellent ball control and the ability to make threatening runs from his own half to create scoring opportunities . He also has the skill to move out wide and function as a winger of sorts.
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