In a disappointing setback for Orlando City SC, Tom Bogert reported last night that Club América have rejected a bid from the Lions for USMNT winger Alejandro Zendejas.
According to sources speaking to GiveMeSport, this stalled negotiation comes as Club América face uncertainty over the future of their head coach André Jardine. With Jardine heavily linked to Brazilian club Botafogo, the Mexican champions are prioritising their own stability before entertaining transfer moves.
Sources: Orlando City had a bid rejected by Club America for USMNT winger Alejandro Zendejas.
Talks stalled as Club America focusing on future of manager Andre Jardine. Orlando now focused on other targets.
TBD if talks for Zendejas resume.https://t.co/AyilhoUvtO
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 3, 2025
As a result, Orlando City SC have begun exploring alternative targets to fill their open Designated Player spot.
With pre-season less than two weeks away and the Lions’ 2025 MLS opener set for February 22, urgency is mounting to bolster the squad following Facundo Torres’ high-profile departure to Palmeiras.
Right now, Orlando City SC are seeking another marquee attacking talent to replace Torres, who contributed 14 goals and 6 assists this past MLS season.
For many City supporters, Alejandro Zendejas represents the ideal successor.
Left footed, the 26-year-old right winger is a pivotal figure for Club América – a side that has won three consecutive Liga MX titles.
Nicknamed “Álex”, Alejandro Zendejas has scored 29 goals in 113 domestic Liga MX appearances to date.
A dynamic and aggressive attacker, Zendejas is quick, tireless, and confident in front of goal – qualities that make him a natural fit for Orlando City SC’s attacking setup.
Zendejas’ pedigree and appeal have been bolstered by his experience with the USMNT, where he has earned 11 caps since 2023.
Amid a vast player pool, Alejandro Zendejas has already caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino, earning a place in each of the Argentine’s first two camps.
Orlando City SC supporters will also note Zendejas’ Major League Soccer roots.
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the winger started his professional career with FC Dallas, signing a Homegrown Player contract back in October 2014.
Interestingly, this coincided with Oscar Pareja and Luiz Muzzi’s time at FC Dallas, meaning they are already well-acquainted with the player.
Although he made just eight MLS appearances before moving to Liga MX, Zendejas has blossomed into one of North America’s most exciting wingers, shining at Guadalajara, Necaxa, and now Club América.
For Orlando City SC, landing Zendejas would be a huge statement of intent.
He is precisely the calibre of player needed to fill the void left by Torres on the right wing.
His mix of experience and flair would excite the Lions’ fanbase, already riding high from the team’s progress to the Eastern Conference Final in 2024 – our deepest playoff run to date.
Yet, Club América’s rejection underlines the difficulty of securing a player of Zendejas’ stature.
Considering Alejandro Zendejas has made over 100 Liga MX appearances for Las Águilas, he looks like an indispensable member of André Jardine’s side.
Orlando City SC will need to significantly improve their offer or quickly pivot to other targets – especially given how short MLS off-seasons have become.
In truth, transfer news has been scarce this winter, with only a fleeting link to Celtic’s Luis Palma hinting at a potential move to The City Beautiful.
One thing’s for sure.
The next few weeks will be critical for Orlando City SC’s 2025 ambitions.
With the clock ticking, Ricardo Moreira and Luiz Muzzi must act decisively to replace Torres and maintain the club’s upward trajectory.