Feyenoord analyzed the profile of Cruz Azul's 25-year-old Mexican defensive midfielder, Erik Lira, as part of a wider observation of talent in the Liga MX. The Dutch club was also observing Gilberto Mora of Xolos de Tijuana and Ozziel Herrera of Tigres. However, the interest in the players remained strictly in the observation phase, and no formal offers were ever made to their clubs to initiate negotiations. One of the factors that prevented any advancement was the high cost of Mexican footballers, which frequently complicates transfers to leagues that generally seek more affordable signings. Lira, who has been with Cruz Azul since January 2022, has a contract that runs until 2029 and a current Transfermarkt market value of €12.00m. The Mexican international has 22 caps for his country and has made 28 domestic league appearances in the current season.