2025 FIFA Club World Cup heat-up: Monterrey and another Liga MX side vie for Sergio Ramos’ La Liga ex-rival and World Cup champion

As clubs across the globe gear up for the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Mexico’s top teams are looking to strengthen their squads with elite signings. Among them, Monterrey and Tigres find themselves in a fierce bidding war for a high-profile La Liga star—a player who once rivaled Sergio Ramos in Spain’s top division.

The transfer saga has quickly escalated, with both clubs eager to secure the services of a World Cup-winning forward from Atletico Madrid. While early reports suggested Tigres had an edge in negotiations, the unexpected emergence of their city rivals has turned this into one of the most anticipated signings of the summer.

Tigres and Monterrey go head-to-head

After much speculation, the identity of the player at the center of this transfer battle has been revealed: Angel Correa. The 30-year-old Argentine forward, who won the 2022 World Cup with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, has long been a key figure at Atletico Madrid.

In an interview with Record, Tigres president Mauricio Culebro confirmed his club’s interest in strengthening their attack but acknowledged the intense competition from Monterrey. “Obviously, when we negotiate players and go after certain characteristics, it sparks interest from other teams. Recently [with Rayados], we haven’t gone after the same player, but these things happen, not only with the team from this city, but with others as well.”

Despite this, he remained confident in UANL’s ability to compete: “We always try to do the best we can both on and off the field, and we know that even in negotiations, we have to compete.” This statement comes as Rayados continue to push for a deal, seeking to match their rival’s ambition after securing a marquee signing in Sergio Ramos last season.

Even though Diego Simeone never gave Correa a definite starting spot, the Argentine has become famous as Atletico’s ideal super-sub because of his game-changing contributions in crucial moments.  His impact off the bench has earned him legendary status at the club, where he is now the sixth-highest appearance holder in the club’s history—a number that could rise to fifth by the end of the 2024-25 season.

However, with his contract set to expire in June 2026, Correa may see this as the right time to seek a bigger role elsewhere. According to Diario AS, he is already in advanced negotiations with Tigres, though the Rojiblancos have yet to receive an official approach.

Financial aspects: How much would Angel Correa cost?

Correa’s market value currently stands at $16 million as per Transfermarkt, significantly lower than his peak valuation of $49 million in 2022. Given his contract situation, Atletico may be willing to negotiate at a lower price, as they have done in the past with other aging stars.

Tigres is hoping to secure Correa for a reasonable fee, while Monterrey could still hijack the deal with a higher offer. The latter side is said to understand the significance of adding a player of his caliber, especially as it prepares for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer.