Chivas Launch Major Squad Overhaul for Clausura 2026 Title Push
GUADALAJARA, January 17, 2026 – C.D. Guadalajara has initiated a sweeping reconstruction of its first-team squad ahead of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 tournament, confirming three new signings while parting ways with over ten players. Under the direction of manager Gabriel Milito and sporting leadership, the club aims to break a nearly nine-year championship drought dating back to the Apertura 2017 season.
The New Faces in Red and White
The most significant confirmed arrival is Mexican-American midfielder Brian Gutiérrez, who joins from MLS side Chicago Fire in a deal reported to be worth approximately $5 million. The 22-year-old playmaker, who recently finalized a one-time switch to represent the Mexican national team, is expected to be a central figure in Milito’s midfield. Veteran forward Ángel Sepúlveda returns for a second stint with Chivas, arriving from Cruz Azul, while striker Ricardo Marín has been recalled from a successful loan spell at Puebla to bolster the attacking options.
The Departing Veterans
The exodus from the Estadio Akron is substantial, marking a clear shift in the club’s project. High-profile departures include legendary striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, whose contract was not renewed, and U.S. international Cade Cowell, who has joined the New York Red Bulls in MLS. Long-serving winger Isaac Brizuela has also left upon the expiration of his contract, while defender Raúl Martínez was transferred to Necaxa.
In a decisive pre-season move, the club informed seven additional first-team players—Alan Pulido, Erick Gutiérrez, Alan Mozo (loaned to Pachuca), Luis Olivas, Leonardo Sepúlveda, Teun Wilke, and Eduardo García—that they were not part of the plans for Clausura 2026 and should seek new clubs.
Key Confirmed Transfers: Clausura 2026 Window
| Arrivals (IN) | Departures (OUT) |
|---|---|
| Brian Gutiérrez (MF) – Chicago Fire | Javier Hernández (FW) – Contract End |
| Ángel Sepúlveda (FW) – Cruz Azul | Cade Cowell (FW) – New York Red Bulls |
| Ricardo Marín (FW) – Return from Loan (Puebla) | Isaac Brizuela (MF) – Contract End |
| Raúl Martínez (DF) – Necaxa | |
| Alan Mozo (DF) – Loaned to Pachuca |
The Milito Project and Recent Context
Argentine manager Gabriel Milito, appointed in May 2025, is overseeing this aggressive restructuring. The overhaul follows a mixed Apertura 2025 campaign where Chivas showed promise—starting with two wins from two matches—but were ultimately eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cruz Azul. The club’s strategy appears focused on integrating young, dynamic talent like Brian Gutiérrez while maintaining a core of experienced Mexican players, adhering to its historic policy of fielding only Mexican-born or eligible players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Chivas making so many changes?
The club’s leadership, led by Amaury Vergara, has deemed a major refresh necessary to revitalize the squad and compete for the Liga MX title after an eight-year drought. The project under Gabriel Milito requires a specific profile of player, leading to the departure of several veterans.
Who is Chivas’s most important new signing?
Midfielder Brian Gutiérrez is considered the marquee addition. His creativity, youth, and recent commitment to the Mexican national team align perfectly with Chivas’s sporting and philosophical objectives.
Does this overhaul improve Chivas’s title chances for Clausura 2026?
While such a significant turnover carries risk, the clear strategic direction and investment in targeted talent like Gutiérrez have generated optimism. Success will depend on how quickly the new squad gels under Milito’s system.
Are any foreign players being signed?
No. Chivas maintains its unique policy of only signing players eligible to represent the Mexican national team. All new arrivals, including Brian Gutiérrez, meet this criterion.