AS Monaco have reached a verbal agreement to sign Erik Lira from Cruz Azul, with the Mexican midfielder now closing in on a move to Ligue 1.
Softfootball reports that the agreement is valued at €8 million along with €3 million in performance-related add-ons, and Cruz Azul will hold a 20% sell-on clause.
However, the deal remains unsigned, as Monaco must complete one final procedure before the transfer can progress.
The Ligue 1 club needs to free up an additional roster spot, after which the agreement can advance to the paperwork and signatures phase.
Lira is set to be Monaco’s latest addition in midfield as the club continues to revamp its squad ahead of the upcoming season.
This news comes as questions remain regarding Paul Pogba’s situation at Monaco. Previously, Softfootball reported that the club had offered Pogba the choice to mutually terminate his contract to allow him time to seek a new team.
Sources including Nice-Matin and Le Parisien mentioned that Monaco had communicated this proposal to Pogba’s representatives, with the aim of resolving the matter before September 1.
Pogba, who is 32 years old, is currently facing another injury setback following his move to Monaco on a two-year contract, which was intended to revive his career after a doping suspension.
His tenure at Monaco was meant to signify a new start for the 2018 World Cup champion after a challenging final phase at Manchester United and the ensuing suspension.
However, it now seems the club is prepared to assist Pogba in starting a new chapter. If the French midfielder decides to accept the termination offer, he would become a free agent and could negotiate with other clubs without a transfer fee.
With Monaco working to clear a squad spot, Lira’s transfer is essentially one step away from completion.
