Cruz Azul and América Eye Return of Chivas Star Roberto Alvarado in Shocking Liga MX Move

It’s not every day a player returns to the club he helped end a 24-year title drought — but that’s exactly what’s brewing in Mexican football. Roberto Carlos Alvarado Hernández, the 27-year-old midfield maestro known as "Piojo," is at the center of a swirling transfer saga, with both Cruz Azul and Club América reportedly lining up bids for the CD Guadalajara star. The news broke in late November 2025, just weeks before the Apertura 2025 Liga MX quarterfinals pit Chivas against Cruz Azul — a matchup that feels less like a game and more like a homecoming waiting to happen.

The Return That Could Reshape Liga MX

Alvarado’s first stint at Cruz Azul wasn’t just successful — it was legendary. Signed from Necaxa in May 2018 for €3.5 million, the then-19-year-old exploded onto the scene. He scored his first goal against Tigres UANL in August 2018, then dazzled with three assists against León just weeks later. By midseason, Marca called him a "Heaven-sent jewel." He didn’t just play — he carried a team. In 2019, he helped Cruz Azul lift the Liga MX title, finally ending their infamous 24-year championship drought. Fans still chant his name in the stands. And now, after four years at Chivas, they’re begging for him back.

But here’s the twist: it’s not just Cruz Azul. Club América, their fiercest rivals, are also sniffing around. According to Goal.com’s November 24, 2025 report, América sees Alvarado as the missing link in their midfield — a player who can control tempo, break lines, and deliver in big moments. The irony? He’s currently helping Chivas — América’s other archrival — push for a deep playoff run. The potential move would turn a classic rivalry into a personal drama.

A History Written in Exchanges

This isn’t the first time these clubs have swapped stars. On December 26, 2021, Alvarado joined Chivas in a direct exchange that sent Uriel Antuna and Alejandro Mayorga to Cruz Azul. That deal was seen as a fair trade at the time — but now, it looks like a setup. Alvarado thrived at Chivas, scoring his first goal against Tigres in February 2022 and quickly becoming a fan favorite. He’s since become the engine of their attack, a player who can drop deep, thread passes, and still sprint past defenders like he’s 20 again.

And the exchanges didn’t stop there. In late December 2024, Cruz Azul and Chivas swapped center back Jesús Orozco Chiquete and midfielder Luis Romo — with Cruz Azul paying $4.5 million extra to seal the deal. Romo, who spoke emotionally at the airport about leaving Cruz Azul, now finds himself on the opposite side of the fence from Alvarado. If Alvarado returns, it won’t just be a transfer — it’ll be a full-circle moment.

"We Know We Have to Make the Stadium Count"

Alvarado hasn’t stayed silent. In a SoyFutbol interview on November 24, 2025, he was asked about the rumors. "We have a clear objective," he said. "We know what we want. We know we have to play like we’ve been doing, all out." But then came the line that sent shockwaves through the fanbase: "Obviously, we also need the support of the people. We know the first match will be here at home, and we have to make the stadium count." That last sentence? It wasn’t just about Chivas’ next home game. It was a subtle nod — to the fans who still cheer for him at Azul’s Estadio Azul. To the ones who never stopped believing he’d come back. To the ones who still hang his jersey in their living rooms.

Why This Matters Beyond the Pitch

Alvarado’s potential return isn’t just about tactics or transfer fees. It’s about legacy. He’s one of the few players in modern Liga MX history to win a title with Cruz Azul and become a cornerstone at Chivas — two clubs that have spent decades chasing each other’s shadows. He’s also a regular for the Mexican National Team, making him one of the country’s most marketable midfielders. Manchester United tracked him back in 2016. Now, European scouts are circling again — but this time, the real prize is domestic loyalty.

For Cruz Azul, bringing him back means rekindling the magic of 2019. For América, it’s about stealing the heart of their rival’s midfield. For Chivas, it’s a painful reality: their best player might be leaving not because he’s chasing money, but because he’s chasing home.

What Comes Next?

The quarterfinal clash between Chivas and Cruz Azul on December 5, 2025, will be the first real test. If Alvarado scores — especially against his former club — the rumors will explode. If he’s subbed off early or looks distracted, it’ll be the first sign he’s mentally preparing for a move. Transfer windows in Liga MX open in January 2026, and both clubs are expected to make formal bids by mid-December.

What’s clear: this isn’t just another transfer. It’s a story of identity, belonging, and the kind of emotional connection football rarely lets go of.