'Had to do a lot of inner searching' - María Sanchez returns to Mexico, completes transfer from San Diego Wave to Tigres

NWSL side San Diego Wave confirmed the transfer of Mexico international and star player Maria Sanchez to Liga MX Femenil side Tigres UANL. The 29-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Mexican club, returning to her native country to continue her career.

“When the opportunity came to return to Tigres, I had to do a lot of inner searching, and I ultimately decided that returning to Liga MX Femenil and Tigres specifically was the best course of action for my career,” Sanchez said in a statement on Monday.

Sanchez joined the Wave last summer via trade from the Houston Dash, where she had been on a $1.5M contract, then considered the richest in the league. Across 40 appearances with the Wave, Sanchez scored nine goals and recorded seven assists. With the Dash, she had eight goals and 14 assists across 62 matches.

Sanchez was slated to be a key player for the the Wave, on a deal through 2026 with a club option for 2027. However, she fell out of favor under new manager Jonas Eidevall in recent months. She started against the Washington Spirit on Sunday in her final game for the club - a 0-0 draw.

Internationally, she has made more than 70 appearances for Mexico, while in 2015, she was the second-youngest player on their World Cup roster.

“I want to take a moment to thank the fans and the entire San Diego Wave organization for the incredible support you have given me,” said Sanchez. “It has been an honor to represent this club and be part of such a special group. San Diego has been a place where I have continued to grow and evolve in my career, and I am so grateful for all the memories and experiences I will take with me."

”We want to thank María for all her contributions to the Wave,” said Camille Ashton, GM and sporting director. “When the opportunity presented itself for her to return to Tigres, she expressed her interest to rejoin the program. We respect and support her decision and wish her all the best moving forward.”

Tigres report to the pitch on July 17, when they take on Toluca in Matchday 1 of 17 in the Apertura.