When Orbelín Pineda Alvarado stepped onto the pitch for AEK Athens in July 2023, few expected he’d become the Greek Super League’s Player of the Year. But by the end of the 2023–24 season, the 28-year-old Mexican midfielder had not only silenced doubters—he’d rewritten his own legacy. Now, with his release clause slashed from $16 million to $8 million, a return to Mexico isn’t just possible. It’s looking inevitable.
A Move Long Coming
Pineda’s contract with AEK Athens runs through 2027, but he’s made it clear he won’t sign an extension. The timing is no accident. After coach Matías Almeyda departed in mid-July 2024, the club’s direction shifted. Suddenly, Pineda—who’s played 124 games, scored 15 goals, and dished out 12 assists—became a financial opportunity rather than a cornerstone. The decision to halve his release clause wasn’t just strategic. It was a signal: AEK Athens is ready to cash in.The Liga MX Power Play
In Mexico, the interest is electric. Tigres UANL, C.F. Monterrey, and Deportivo Toluca F.C. are the frontrunners, each with the budget and ambition to land a player of his caliber. But the real drama lies elsewhere. Club América and Club Cruz Azul are watching closely—and not just because they need midfield depth. Pineda played for both. He won the Supercopa MX and the inaugural Leagues Cup with Cruz Azul in 2019. He was a linchpin in their Guardianes 2021 championship run. Then, in 2022, he left for RC Celta de Vigo, where he was named Player of the Season and best foreigner in La Liga. Now, if he returns to Mexico, he could end up wearing the jersey of the very club he once helped beat in a final. The emotional stakes? Unparalleled.
A History Written in Rivalries
Pineda’s journey through Mexican football reads like a soap opera scripted by fans themselves. Signed by Chivas de Guadalajara in December 2015, he made his debut in January 2016—and scored his first goal against Cruz Azul. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a storyline. When Cruz Azul bought him for $12 million in 2018, Chivas fans felt betrayed. When he left for Spain in 2022, Cruz Azul supporters wept. Now, if he returns to Liga MX, whichever club signs him will inherit both his talent and his complicated legacy. Chivas de Guadalajara initially said no—financially stretched, they couldn’t compete. But reports from Gazzetta.gr on July 18, 2024, suggest they’re quietly reconsidering. That’s the twist. The club that once let him go might now be the one desperate to bring him back. And if Club América lands him? The backlash from Cruz Azul and Chivas fans would be seismic. Imagine the chants. The memes. The fireworks. It’s not just a transfer. It’s a cultural earthquake.Why This Matters Beyond the Pitch
Liga MX has struggled to retain its top talent. Many of its brightest stars—like Hirving Lozano, Andrés Guardado, and even Javier “Chicharito” Hernández—left for Europe and never returned. Pineda is different. He didn’t just leave. He excelled abroad. He won trophies. He earned individual honors. He’s not a fading star seeking a farewell tour. He’s a 28-year-old at his peak, ready to reassert himself on home soil. His return could be a blueprint. A signal to other Mexican players in Europe: You don’t have to fade out. You can come back stronger. And if a club like C.F. Monterrey or Tigres UANL can land him for $8 million, it’s a bargain. For context: AEK Athens paid €6.5 million for him in 2023. That’s less than $7 million. He’s now worth double that in the Mexican market.
What’s Next?
The summer transfer window opens in June 2025, with Liga MX’s Apertura season starting in late July. Clubs have time to negotiate—but not much. Pineda’s representatives are reportedly already in contact with multiple Mexican teams. No formal bids have been submitted yet, but sources say the talks are “advanced.” One thing’s certain: when Pineda steps back onto a Mexican pitch, it won’t just be a homecoming. It’ll be a reckoning. For his former clubs. For his fans. For the league itself.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did AEK Athens reduce Orbelín Pineda’s release clause?
After coach Matías Almeyda’s departure in July 2024, AEK Athens shifted its strategy, viewing Pineda as a financial asset rather than a long-term cornerstone. With his contract running until 2027 but no intention to renew, slashing his release clause from $16 million to $8 million makes him more attractive to Liga MX clubs while still ensuring a strong return. It’s a pragmatic move to avoid losing him for free later.
Which Liga MX clubs are most likely to sign Pineda?
Tigres UANL, C.F. Monterrey, and Deportivo Toluca F.C. are the leading suitors, with the budget and need to sign him. Club América and Cruz Azul are also monitoring closely, but their interest is more emotionally charged due to Pineda’s history with both teams. Chivas de Guadalajara, once ruled out, may now reconsider due to his enduring fan appeal and potential marketing value.
What trophies did Pineda win with Cruz Azul?
During his time at Cruz Azul (2018–2022), Pineda won the Supercopa MX in 2019, the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2019 after beating Tigres UANL 2–1, and the Guardianes 2021 Liga MX championship. He was a key playmaker in the final stages of the 2021 title run, contributing crucial assists and defensive work that helped anchor their midfield.
How does Pineda’s performance in Greece compare to his Liga MX stats?
In 124 appearances for AEK Athens, Pineda scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists—strong numbers for a central midfielder. He was named Greek Super League Player of the Year in 2024. In Liga MX, his stats were slightly more attacking: 28 goals and 21 assists in 148 appearances across Chivas and Cruz Azul. His European stint proved his consistency and adaptability, making him even more valuable upon return.
Could Pineda’s return impact Mexico’s national team?
Absolutely. Pineda has earned 41 caps for Mexico since 2017 and was a regular in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad. A strong return to Liga MX would keep him in peak form ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle. His leadership, experience, and tactical intelligence make him a vital option for coach Gerardo Martino, especially if he rekindles his best form in Mexico.
What’s the timeline for a potential transfer?
Negotiations are expected to ramp up in early 2025, with formal bids likely submitted between April and June. The transfer window for Liga MX’s Apertura 2025 season opens in June and closes in late July, just before the season kicks off. Any deal must be finalized by then, though clubs may lock in agreements earlier to avoid last-minute complications.
