Cruz Azul officially presented Argentine Nicolas Ibanez on their social media, and all indications are that he could be ready to make his debut immediately in the match against Vancouver FC in the second leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions League, scheduled for this Thursday.

Ibanez, after reaching an agreement with "La Maquina Celeste" (Cruz Azul) before midnight on Monday, at the very last minute of the Liga MX transfer window, traveled to Mexico City to report to training with the Cementeros (Cruz Azul) under the orders of coach Nicolas Larcamon.

For the Argentine striker, this will be his fourth jersey in Mexican soccer after arriving with Atletico San Luis from Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina, where he began to build a reputation that later took him to Pachuca and then to Tigres UANL, where he didn't have as much of an impact because he was always behind Frenchman Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The striker He arrives at the cement company with a two-year contract, in a deal worth close to $2.5 million, plus performance bonuses that could raise the total to approximately $3 million. Ibanez will look to resolve the lack of a second striker after Angel Sepulveda took over the leadership in that area when the expensive signing of Greek Giorgos Giakoumakis fell through, and after failing to sign Serbian Luka Jovic or Colombian Miguel Borja. Nicolas Ibanez will compete for the starting position with Uruguayan Gabriel “Toro” Fernandez, who has become the team's main goalscorer, but is prone to injuries, so he should have the opportunity to fight for the starting spot. During his time in Mexico, Ibanez has built an impressive goal-scoring record, registering a total of 123 goals. He already has an individual scoring title and among his achievements are two Liga MX titles, a Campeon de Campeones title, and a Campeones Cup title.Establishing himself as one of the most effective strikers in recent years in Liga MX.

Ibanez, after being announced as a new signing for Cruz Azul, shared his first words as a Cruz Azul player, showing enthusiasm for this new stage in his career: “I’m very happy to be here, eager to see you all and bring you lots of joy. Let’s go for it all!”

After failing to sign Italian Joao Pedro from Atletico San Luis, Cruz Azul secured the services of a player with ample experience and ability, making him an important signing who should start performing immediately.