Pumas: James Rodríguez is the key
For Pumas, investment in the Colombian former Real Madrid star could open doors to other prestigious recruits.
Despite the results, the style, and the execution, if there’s one thing you have to give Efraín Juárez and the Pumas front office credit for, it’s the work they put in during the Apertura 2025 transfer window. Some signings delivered more than others, sure - but let’s be honest: if you didn’t get excited about Aaron Ramsey’s arrival (regardless of how it ended) and Keylor Navas joining the squad, you’re lying to yourself.
Since Dani Alves - another move that fell apart for off-the-field reasons - Pumas hadn’t made headlines on the international stage. The idea was promising, even if the final balance sheet told a different story. They even went all-in for another European star, Anthony Martial, but ultimately lost that battle to Monterrey.
Learning from Rayados
With that in mind, and given the proven blueprint, Pumas should look to replicate what Monterrey has done in recent tournaments. The northern giants have shown that with the right signings, you can attract even more talent through pure player-to-player recommendations. Sergio Canales brought in Jesús Manuel “Tecatito” Corona, Corona helped lure Lucas Ocampos, and all of them paved the way for Sergio Ramos. If Universidad Nacional wants to land marquee names, the “James Rodríguez card” should be at the top of their list.
Pairing the Colombian star with Navas - two former Real Madrid teammates and undisputed leaders for their national teams - would open the door to a much bigger pool of potential targets. Whether it’s players who’ve shared a locker room with them or those who could be convinced by their presence, the possibilities multiply.
Players as recruiters
Today’s footballers aren’t just athletes - they’re influencers, recruiters, and even unofficial sporting directors. A couple of phone calls can be enough to persuade certain names to join a project, all with the goal of strengthening the squad. If Pumas wants a top-tier striker, the smartest investment might be to go after James first. And it’s not just for show - they desperately need a true No. 10.
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