Luciano Zavagno, a scout for City Football Group, attended the match at Estadio Banorte to observe 25-year-old Mexican defensive midfielder Erik Lira during Cruz Azul's game against Necaxa. Zavagno was accompanied by Mauricio Medrano, the player's representative, who is responsible for presenting any formal offers to the Cruz Azul board. After the game, Lira himself suggested it might have been his last for the club, stating that his departure could be close and that he is working towards a move to Europe.
His future could be in the Premier League or LaLiga, as European interest reportedly intensified following his performances for the Mexican national team during the March FIFA window. City Football Group controls Manchester City in the Premier League and Girona in LaLiga, among other teams, which opens various possibilities for Lira's potential destination. Lira joined Cruz Azul in January 2022, has 22 caps for Mexico, and his current contract is valid until June 2029. Transfermarkt estimates his market value to be €12.00m.
