It has been a good couple of good days for Cruz Azul. After needing added extra time to overcome and overwhelm Western Sydney Wanderers, an ESPN Mexico report suggested that La Maquina are closing in on Cruzeiro midfielder and South American player of the year Ricardo Goulart and Toluca left back Miguel Angel Ponce.
The 23-year-old Ricardo Goulart is an attacking midfielder who can play multiple positions in the attacking midfield or strike attack, and has a serious showed a serious knack for scoring goals. In 25 matches in the Brasilerao for champions Cruzeiro, Goulart scored 15 goals. and made his international debut for the Dunga's Selecao against Ecuador in August.
Goulart, the younger brother of LA Galaxy's Juninho, had been believed to be waiting for a move to Europe, and Cruzeiro had reportedly turned down a €16M offer from AS Monaco for Goulart's services in the summer window. Goulart's representatives are also denying the rumor that the midfielder is close to moving to Distrito Federale.
The 25 year old, Sacramento born Miguel Angel Ponce would join La Maquina after spending the last twelve months at Toluca on loan from Chivas, where he started 36 of his 38 matches at left back, and was a part of Mexico's 2014 World Cup squad. Cruz Azul have yet to discuss terms with Chivas for Ponce's services, even though La Maquina needs to negotiate with El Rebaño for Marco Fabian, who has also been on loan away from Guadalajara for the last two tournaments. If the two sides cannot agree on terms for the Mexico international, Marco Fabian's last game for Cruz Azul could come in the Club World Cup.
Cruz Azul are preparing to take on UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid in Marrakesh, Morocco on Tuesday, December 16 before a final or third place game on December 20.