The End of Speculation: Monreal, a New Feline
For weeks, the name of Ricardo Monreal, promising striker for Club Necaxa, was at the centre of a whirlwind of rumours linking him with a potential transfer to Tigres UANL. Talks intensified, and while Necaxa's coaching staff remained cautious about the initial speculation, the outcome was not long in coming.
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Finally, on August 26, 2026, it was confirmed that Ricardo Monreal would join the ranks of Tigres for the Apertura 2026 tournament. The news was widely reported by various media outlets, marking one of the most significant moves in the current Liga MX market. The 25-year-old Mexican forward joins the university team in a deal reportedly worth approximately $2 million, with a three-year contract.
A Versatile Profile for the Auriazul Attack
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Ricardo Monreal has established himself as a striker with notable characteristics in Mexican football. Standing at 1.82 metres tall and with a dominant right foot, his physical profile allows him to compete effectively in aerial duels and link up play in the final third. His versatility is one of his main strengths, as he can play as a winger or a centre-forward, offering various tactical options to the UANL squad.
During his time at Necaxa, Monreal played a total of 138 matches in the First Division, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists. Although in the current Apertura 2026 he had accumulated 289 minutes in four starts without goals or assists before his transfer, his participation was consistent. His best recent performance was in the Clausura 2026, where he played all 17 regular-season matches, starting 13, accumulating 1,172 minutes, two goals, and three assists. Furthermore, he has been part of Mexico's youth national teams (U18, U20, and U23) and was even called up to the senior national team in May 2024, where he provided an assist.
What Does It Mean for Tigres and Necaxa?
For Tigres, Monreal's arrival represents an injection of talent and competition into their offensive zone. The feline team was looking to strengthen its attack, and the Mexican will bring depth, flair, and goal-scoring ability. His signing adds to the club's efforts to build a robust squad capable of competing at the top of Liga MX. His adaptability and experience in Mexican football are expected to allow him to integrate quickly into the team's system.
On Necaxa's side, Ricardo Monreal's departure means the loss of an important player in their offensive setup. Los Rayos now face the challenge of reconfiguring their attack and finding a replacement who can match the output and impact of the Zacatecan forward. This transfer also highlights Necaxa's role as a platform for developing talent that later moves to bigger clubs, which, despite the sporting loss, can be seen as a success in their business model and player development.
The Apertura 2026 promises to be a vibrant tournament, and Ricardo Monreal's signing by Tigres will undoubtedly add a new attraction to the competition, with fans eagerly awaiting to see his performance in the Auriazul colours.