Cruz Azul Cutting Dead Wood Out Wide, But Keeping Team Together

Cruz Azul, once again, put together a solid league campaign and performed poorly in the playoffs. Even though they keep making Liguilla, they haven't won a title since 1997. With the team struggling to challenge for a title and Copa Libertadores coming up, some thought that Cruz Azul would make some major acquisitions, but there has been just one. Otherwise, they're doing more cleaning out of the squad than they are bringing guys in.

Omar Bravo has arrived from Sporting Kansas City in MLS, giving the team depth up top. 'Tito' Emmanuel Villa still should be first choice based on his performances, but it's possible that the two could play together up top on a regular basis. That's it for them up top, for now.

On the wings, La Maquina is cleaning house. Cesar Villaluz has left and Hugo Droguett is not in Meza's plans. He has not yet transferred to a new club, but will likely leave for a foreign club before the season starts. He is not currently training with the team.

Cruz Azul is linked to a transfer for Lanus midfielder Diego Valeri, who can still come in after Wednesday, as he's not a domestic player. Cruz Azul are thin in the center of midfield, with players on the wrong side of 30 starting for them at the moment, and Valeri would be an excellent addition. He would come in and fill a need, and if he arrives, opinion of La Maquina's transfer window will change. For now, they look like a team that did not do what needed to be done to compete for the Clausura and the Copa Libertadores

Cruz Azul Transfers - In

Omar Bravo - FW, Sporting Kansas City

Cruz Azul Transfers - Out

Cesar Villaluz - MF, San Luis

Alejandro Castro - DF, Estudiantes Tecos

Lingering transfer rumors

Hugo Droguett - MF, Leaving

Diego Valeri - MF, Lanus, coming in

FMF State Of Mind Transfer Window Grade: C- now, B if they add someone as good as Valeri.