Matías Almeyda reportedly closing in on Monterrey job, with Domènec Torrent and former Barcelona manager Xavi is also in the mix

Matías Almeyda has reportedly emerged as a serious candidate to take over the managerial role at Monterrey. The Argentine coach, who officially parted ways with AEK Athens on Tuesday, is expected to meet with the Rayados board in the coming days. Almeyda had been at the helm of the Greek club since 2022, following his time with the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.

Rayados are moving swiftly to secure a new head coach after parting ways with Martín Demichelis just days ago. The Argentine tactician was relieved of his duties following Monterrey’s elimination in the Liga MX quarterfinals against Toluca. With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, the club is under pressure to finalize its new leadership as soon as possible.

Domènec Torrent, best known for his work alongside Pep Guardiola and his own coaching stints with New York City FC and Flamengo, has already met with Monterrey’s front office. According to Fox Sports, the meeting on Monday went smoothly, with mutual interest shown in potential collaboration. Torrent is also being considered by Chivas for the same role, but appears to be firmly in the running for the Rayados post.

Another name being floated for the job is former Barcelona star and manager Xavi Hernández, who is currently without a team after recently stepping down at Barça. According to ESPN, Xavi is on Monterrey’s shortlist, though no formal talks have been initiated. At this stage, Almeyda and Torrent remain the frontrunners, with the club already in active discussions with both.

Despite Torrent also negotiating with Chivas, Monterrey is not slowing down. On Tuesday, the club is expected to hold its first formal conversation with Almeyda, who just concluded a three-year spell with AEK Athens. During his time in Greece, he coached Mexican international Orbelín Pineda and guided the club to two major titles.

Although Almeyda was under contract with AEK through 2028, the two sides agreed to part ways following a decline in results over the past two seasons. The decision was announced publicly by AEK in an official statement.

“AEK FC announces the termination of its collaboration with current head coach Matías Almeyda. The AEK family and club administrator Mr. Marios Iliopoulos would like to thank Matías Almeyda and his staff for everything they have given to our team. We wish them all the best in their future careers,” the statement read.

Almeyda, a beloved figure in Mexican football due to his successful stint with Chivas - where he won multiple titles - is now strongly positioned to make a return to Liga MX, this time in charge of Monterrey as the club eyes continental glory and international competition.

Following their elimination from the Clausura 2025, Sergio Ramos and his Monterrey teammates will have a brief break before reporting back to training on May 26. The team will begin preparations for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where they’ve been drawn into Group E alongside Inter Milan - whom they will face in their tournament opener on June 17 - River Plate, and Japan’s Urawa Reds.