The question of how easy or difficult it is to make the leap from the Liga MX to Europe remains valid. In recent years, and bearing in mind how the Mexican transfer market usually works, it is becoming more and more difficult to satisfy native players and keep them away from the lure of international football. It is equally as hard for clubs to obtain a reasonable fee for players to let them go.
A situation that is not new and a recent example of this is the case of Omar Campos. The 21-year-old Aztec winger who recently signed with MLS side Los Angeles FC had the opportunity to go to Spain to join Barcelona. However, the committee in charge of making that decision rejected the proposal.
According to reporter Daniel Velazco: “Barcelona made a loan offer for Omar Campos in 2023. I can reveal the amount: 50 thousand euros!, Santos Laguna directors were not happy about that at all, (they were offended at such a low offer for a one-year loan) which is why they said ‘No, thank you very much’ and dismissed it. The offer was 50 thousand euros to play him in the reserves for a season with an option to buy him”.
The Torreón-based side had higher hopes for the young left winger and the plan was to get the best out of him – or if an offer came in from elsewhere, to least get a fee in line with his market value.
While Barcelona’s offer fell short of what Santos had in mind, the player would have been under the direction of one of the world’s top coaches – Rafa Márquez at one of the best and most successful clubs in Europe. Now it appears that Campos, who was also a target for Liga MX champions América, will join LAFC for a fee of around $5 million and could be presented later this week.
