There has been no word yet north of the border, but it is looking all but certain that MLS players Jose Villarreal, Rafael Baca and Michael Farfan will play for Liga MX outfit Cruz Azul after the three players were among six presented by the Mexico City giants as reinforcements for the Clausura 2014 tournament at a press conference on Saturday.
Reports emerged this week that the MLS-based trio had signed for Cruz Azul, and the team listed the three players on their roster on its official website. On Saturday, Cruz Azul's official Twitter handle tweeted out the following picture of the new players being presented, with Villarreal, Baca on Farfan on the left:
Villarreal's club, the LA Galaxy, declined to comment when reached by MLSsoccer.com, though LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano reported that the deal was a year-long loan with an option to buy:
A San Jose Earthquakes spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com that Baca was still under contract with the team in 2014, while a Philadelphia Union spokesperson said the club had no comment at this time.
Villarreal, 20, signed as a Homegrown player with the Galaxy in December 2011 and has totaled three goals and two assists in 32 MLS appearances. He has featured for the US at various youth international levels and also boasts Mexican heritage.
Baca, 24, was born in Mexico and signed as an undrafted free agent by the Earthquakes in July 2011 before locking down a starting spot in the 2012 season. He totaled 79 regular season apperances for the Quakes, registering two goals and nine assists.
Farfan, 25, also has Mexican heritage and recently completed his third year in MLS after being selected No. 23 overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He has totaled four goals and nine assists in 82 appearances for the Union.
