Tigres UANL enters the market without its two main strikers

Tigres UANL confirmed that André‑Pierre Gignac and Édgar Iván López are no longer part of the squad for Apertura 2026, leaving the team without reference forwards and forcing the board to seek urgent replacements. With 25 points, the club sits seventh in Liga MX (7W‑4D‑6L) and carries a recent run of LWWDD.

What triggered Gignac and López's departure?

Gignac's contract expired and the club chose not to renew, ending the Frenchman's era who scored 125 goals for Tigres. López arrived on loan from Toluca and his purchase option was declined after a performance that failed to convince the coaching staff. Both announcements were published on July 6 2026, just as the summer transfer window opened.

How does the lack of forwards affect the attack?

Tigres had relied on Gignac for offensive "punch"; now only Ángel Correa, Juan Brunetta, Ozziel Herrera and Diego Lainez remain in midfield and on the wings. Rodrigo Aguirre, with 21 games and five goals, is the last available card, but his future is uncertain amid rumors of a possible move to Boca Juniors. With 28 goals scored and 18 conceded, the +10 goal difference stays positive, yet the absence of a pure striker could lower offensive output.

What options does the board have in the market?

Reports from Sebas Giovanelli (ESPN) and El Espectador (Uruguay) suggest Tigres could explore low‑cost signings, as Aguirre's market value is listed at $2.6 million by Transfermarkt. The board may also activate release clauses for young players or seek loan deals with purchase options. With the next home match against Real Salt Lake on August 5, time is pressing to secure at least one solution.

What is the immediate outlook?

Tigres' latest official result was a 2‑0 loss to Guadalajara Chivas on May 10 2026, and recent form shows two consecutive defeats. Still, the club remains 11 points behind leaders U.N.A.M. (Pumas) and aims to re‑enter the title race. Pressure on the coaching staff and board is high; any move in the transfer window will be scrutinized by fans and media.

What lies ahead for Tigres?

While the board negotiates, supporters await news of reinforcements before the tournament starts. The void left by Gignac and López demands the coach either craft creative tactics or bring in a new striker. The upcoming clash with Real Salt Lake will be a decisive test of the team's ability without its former goal‑scorers.