Club Puebla Squad 2024/25

Club Puebla Squad 2024/25

Club Puebla, one of Mexico’s most storied football clubs, is gearing up for the 2024/25 season with a refreshed and dynamic squad. Known for their passionate fanbase and rich history, La Franja (The Striped Ones) have made strategic moves in the transfer market to bolster their roster across all positions. This season, the team aims to compete at the highest level in Liga MX, with a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Below, we take an in-depth look at the players who will don the iconic blue-and-white stripes, categorized by their positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

Goalkeepers

1. Antonio Rodríguez

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Tijuana, Veracruz, Atlético San Luis
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
    Antonio Rodríguez, a seasoned shot-stopper, joined Puebla in 2023 after a successful stint with Atlético San Luis. Known for his reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Rodríguez has been a reliable figure between the posts. Standing at 6’2”, he excels in one-on-one situations and has a knack for saving penalties. With over 200 Liga MX appearances, his experience is invaluable to the squad.

2. Jesús Rodríguez

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Pumas UNAM, Necaxa
  • Transfer Fee: $1.5 million (2024)
    Jesús Rodríguez, a rising star in Mexican football, was signed from Necaxa in 2024. At just 24 years old, he has already shown immense potential, with quick reflexes and excellent distribution skills. His ability to play out from the back aligns perfectly with Puebla’s modern tactical approach. Rodríguez is seen as the long-term successor to Antonio Rodríguez and is expected to challenge for the starting spot this season.

3. Carlos Moreno

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Querétaro, Atlante
  • Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
    A product of Puebla’s youth academy, Carlos Moreno serves as the third-choice goalkeeper. While he has limited first-team experience, Moreno has impressed in training and during cup appearances. His agility and shot-stopping ability make him a promising prospect for the future.

Defenders

1. Maximiliano Araújo

  • Nationality: Uruguayan
  • Former Clubs: Montevideo Wanderers, Toluca
  • Transfer Fee: $3 million (2024)
    Maximiliano Araújo, a versatile left-back, joined Puebla from Toluca in 2024. Known for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity, Araújo is a modern full-back who contributes equally to both ends of the pitch. His crossing accuracy and ability to overlap make him a key asset in Puebla’s system.

2. Gustavo Ferrareis

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: Fluminense, Santos
  • Transfer Fee: $2.8 million (2024)
    Gustavo Ferrareis, a Brazilian center-back, was brought in to strengthen Puebla’s defensive line. Standing at 6’3”, Ferrareis is dominant in the air and excels in physical duels. His experience in Brazil’s top flight adds a layer of composure to Puebla’s backline.

3. Emanuel Gularte

  • Nationality: Uruguayan
  • Former Clubs: Nacional, Atlas
  • Transfer Fee: $2.5 million (2023)
    Emanuel Gularte, another Uruguayan defender, has been a rock at the heart of Puebla’s defense since his arrival in 2023. His tactical awareness and ability to read the game make him a standout performer. Gularte’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on multiple occasions.

4. Jesús Angulo

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Santos Laguna, Atlas
  • Transfer Fee: $1.8 million (2024)
    Jesús Angulo, a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or left-back, joined Puebla from Atlas in 2024. Known for his pace and technical ability, Angulo is a modern defender who thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to play out from the back is a key component of Puebla’s tactical setup.

5. Diego de Buen

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Pumas UNAM, Querétaro
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
    Diego de Buen, a defensive midfielder by trade, has been utilized as a center-back due to his physicality and tactical intelligence. His versatility and experience make him a valuable squad player for Puebla.

Midfielders

1. Fernando Arce Jr.

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Tijuana, Necaxa
  • Transfer Fee: $2 million (2024)
    Fernando Arce Jr., son of Mexican football legend Fernando Arce, has carved out a name for himself as a dynamic central midfielder. Known for his passing range and work rate, Arce Jr. is a key figure in Puebla’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game makes him indispensable.

2. Martín Barragán

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: León, Atlas
  • Transfer Fee: $1.5 million (2024)
    Martín Barragán, a box-to-box midfielder, joined Puebla from Atlas in 2024. His energy and ability to cover ground quickly make him a vital cog in the team’s pressing system. Barragán also has an eye for goal, often making late runs into the box.

3. Lucas Maia

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: Grêmio, Atlético Goianiense
  • Transfer Fee: $2.2 million (2024)
    Lucas Maia, a Brazilian defensive midfielder, was signed to add steel to Puebla’s midfield. His tackling ability and positional discipline provide a solid foundation for the team’s attacking players to thrive. Maia’s experience in South American football brings a competitive edge to the squad.

4. Omar Fernández

  • Nationality: Colombian
  • Former Clubs: Independiente Medellín, Cruz Azul
  • Transfer Fee: $1.8 million (2023)
    Omar Fernández, a creative attacking midfielder, has been a fan favorite since joining Puebla in 2023. His dribbling skills and vision make him a constant threat in the final third. Fernández’s ability to unlock defenses with precise passes has been crucial for Puebla’s attacking play.

5. Daniel Álvarez

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Guadalajara, Tijuana
  • Transfer Fee: $1.2 million (2024)
    Daniel Álvarez, a versatile winger, was signed to add depth to Puebla’s wide options. Known for his pace and crossing ability, Álvarez is a traditional winger who loves to take on defenders. His experience in Liga MX makes him a reliable option for the coaching staff.

Forwards

1. Guillermo Martínez

  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Former Clubs: Independiente, Atlas
  • Transfer Fee: $3.5 million (2024)
    Guillermo Martínez, Puebla’s marquee signing for the 2024/25 season, is a prolific striker with a proven track record in Liga MX. His clinical finishing and ability to hold up play make him the focal point of Puebla’s attack. Martínez’s arrival is expected to significantly boost the team’s goal-scoring output.

2. Diego de la Torre

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Pachuca, Querétaro
  • Transfer Fee: $1.8 million (2024)
    Diego de la Torre, a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or winger, joined Puebla from Querétaro in 2024. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations. De la Torre’s ability to play multiple roles adds tactical flexibility to the squad.

3. Facundo Waller

  • Nationality: Uruguayan
  • Former Clubs: Defensor Sporting, Necaxa
  • Transfer Fee: $2 million (2023)
    Facundo Waller, a Uruguayan forward, has been a consistent performer for Puebla since his arrival in 2023. Known for his work rate and ability to press defenders, Waller is a team player who contributes both in attack and defense. His physicality and aerial ability make him a valuable asset in set-piece situations.

4. Jesús Zavala

  • Nationality: Mexican
  • Former Clubs: Monterrey, Necaxa
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
    Jesús Zavala, a veteran forward, provides experience and leadership to Puebla’s attacking unit. While not as prolific as he once was, Zavala’s intelligence and link-up play are crucial in tight games. His presence in the dressing room is also invaluable for the younger players.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting one for Club Puebla, with a well-balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The additions of key players like Guillermo Martínez and Maximiliano Araújo, combined with the retention of core talents such as Omar Fernández and Emanuel Gularte, demonstrate the club’s ambition to return to the upper echelons of Mexican football. With a mix of youth and experience, Puebla is poised to make a significant impact in Liga MX and beyond. Fans can look forward to a season filled with passion, determination, and, hopefully, silverware.