With the Copa America Centenario and Euro 2016 taking up plenty of attention during the summer, it was fairly easy to miss the more important and noteworthy Liga MX news items. In case you haven't had a chance to catch up before the start of the 2016 Apertura, here is a round-up of 10 substantial transfers and movements that you might have missed during the offseason.
1. Ismael Sosa to Tigres
Former Pumas man Sosa has wasted no time with Tigres. During last Sunday's 1-0 Campeon de Campeones victory over Pachuca, the 29-year-old forward scored the game-winning goal in the first half against Los Tuzos. With a wealth of speed and excellent movement with the ball, the Argentine will bring another layer of attacking strength to an already daunting Tigres roster.
2. Silvio Romero to America
Romero's move to Las Aguilas is arguably one of the most eye-catching of the offseason, but he may not have been the ideal candidate for many America fans. After rumors of big names like Antonio Valencia, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Radamel Falcao, America instead brought in the Argentine, who joins from Chiapas where he scored 19 goals in 36 games. Romero is no Zlatan, but the 27-year-old still has the talents to help Las Aguilas fight for a league title.
3. Enzo Roco to Cruz Azul
After helping Chile lift the Copa America title last month, Roco arrives for his first season at Cruz Azul with plenty of confidence. The tall 23-year-old was a key player for Espanyol in La Liga last season and has the abilities that could make him one of the best defenders in Mexico.
4. Jose Cardozo taking charge of Chiapas
Despite his success as a title-winning player with Toluca, Cardozo struggled to provide the same kind of prosperity as the manager of the club from 2013-16. After parting ways with Los Diablos Rojos in May, the 45-year-old Paraguayan was appointed as manager of Chiapas in early June. It is unlikely that Los Jaguares will fight for a title this season, but Cardozo will assuredly be eager to make a great first impression.
5. Marcelo Barovero to Necaxa
With the incorporation of Barovero to the roster in June, it became very apparent that Necaxa was making all of the right moves to avoid a drop back down to the second division. The 32-year-old goalkeeper from River Plate has excellent reflexes that will be much-needed for the newly-promoted club. Considering the additions of few other noteworthy names, like defensive midfielder Manuel Iturra and winger Edson Puch, Necaxa could surprise a few fans this year.
6. Aviles Hurtado to Xolos
Club Tijuana manager Miguel "Piojo" Herrera is well aware of his team's dire situation. If Los Xolos' poor results continue, they could be in danger of relegation to the second division next summer. Herrera and the Xolos ownership will have their fingers crossed that former Chiapas striker Hurtado will provide some spark to Xolos' goal-starved attack.
7. Francisco Palencia taking charge of Pumas
Will the 43-year-old be able to win another title with Pumas, this time as a coach? Back in the 2011 Clausura final, Palencia scored two of Los Felinos' three goals which gave Pumas their last league championship. Now, for the first time as a manager in Liga MX, the former Mexico international will look to once again help the Mexico City side, this time from the touchline.
8. Alexander Mejia to Leon
Leon fans have to be thrilled with the addition of Mejia. The aggressive defensive midfielder should have no trouble breaking into the starting team and appears set to fill the void left by Jose Juan Vazquez. The 28-year-old Colombian played with Monterrey during the 2015 Clausura and will be no stranger to the character and style of Liga MX.
9. Jose Juan Vazquez to Chivas
With former Leon man Carlos "Gullit" Pena already in the ranks, Vazquez should have little difficulty transitioning into Chivas' starting XI. Although Vazquez has struggled to replicate the same form he showed with the Mexican national team in 2014, he still has the raw talent to thrive with Los Rojiblancos. At his best, the 28-year-old is the most impressive Mexican player in the league.
10. Alfonso Gonzalez to Monterrey
Time will tell what role Gonzalez will play for Rayados. A busy summer which includes a trip to Brazil for the Olympics might mean a lack of opportunities to shine with Monterrey this year. By the time the 21-year-old returns from Rio, manager Antonio Mohamed could be hesitant to alter a starting XI that includes some of the most exciting players in the country. That said, a good showing in Brazil could mean a boost in morale for the young striker who boasts a significant amount of potential.