Lizbeth Ovalle: Why Man Utd, Man City and Barcelona are all eyeing January move for Tigres 'magician' who helped Mexico shock the USWNT

One of the best players in Liga MX Femenil is set for a move to Europe, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Wolfsburg also among those interested

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  Where it all began

  A promising Mexico youth international who was part of the team which defeated the U.S. in the final to win its first CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship back in 2018, Ovalle made her debut for Tigres back in 2017 and won her first senior international cap a year later, both milestones coming when she was still a teenager.

  No team has won more Liga MX Femenil titles than Tigres, so establishing herself in a side that was among the nation's very best as soon as the league launched was always going to be a tough task, but Ovalle equipped herself admirably to steadily become one of Las Amazonas' most important players, helping them to win each of those six national championships and watching her status in the squad increase along the way.

  The 25-year-old, nicknamed 'La Maga' or 'the magician', has grown into a crucial role with the national team too, emerging as a regular starter as early as 2019.

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  The big break

  While Ovalle has delivered several seasons of brilliance in Mexico, it was in 2024 that those performances seemed to transcend and grab more attention outside of her home country. A prolific return of 18 goals through Liga MX's Apertura helped Tigres reach the final of the play-offs, though they fell agonisingly short in their quest for another championship when they were defeated on penalties by Monterrey. Still, Ovalle was one of the best players across the league through the campaign, if not the best.

  Throw in other high-profile moments, like her performance and goal against the U.S. back in February and some impressive displays against NWSL sides in continental competition, and it's no surprise the winger ended the year linked to almost every top club in Europe.

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  How it's going

  As Ovalle enters the New Year, it's a question of when, rather than if, she heads to Europe. While there has reportedly been some interest in her from the U.S, it is a move across the pond that the winger seems set for, be it this month or in the summer.

  The 25-year-old has a contract with Tigres until June and, according to 365 Scores, the club is eager to ensure she does not leave on a free transfer. As such, the six-time Mexican champions either want to renew Ovalle's contract or sell her in this winter window.

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  Biggest strengths

  It's easy to see why so many top clubs are interested in Ovalle. After all, she's an explosive, game-changing talent who scores goals. Her wicked left foot is great for crossing or shooting, including directly from free-kicks, while her technique always stands out. The winger has a great first touch and is very skilful, with her certainly not hesitant to show that as she willingly runs at markers.

  There are plenty of other traits that make the Mexico international an attractive transfer target, such as her anticipation and reading of the game, clever movement and strong work ethic. While some wingers are quick to neglect their defensive duties, Ovalle is not, and that attitude also makes her an asset when pressing from the front.

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  Room for improvement

  It's only natural that some will question how Ovalle might adapt to European football. Whichever team she decides to sign for, adjustments will be needed to be made as she prepares to experience a different style of play, as well as all the off the pitch elements that come with such a move, be it culture, language or both. Although Liga MX Femenil is undoubtedly a quality league, it is possible that the next division she plays in will be a step up, too. That said, there are not many who doubt her ability to be a success abroad.

  As for Ovalle's all-round game, there are not too many noticeable weaknesses. One criticism could be how dominantly left-footed she is, something that can make her a little easier for defenders to deal with. But there's plenty of tape to show that the 25-year-old is effective on her weaker right side, she just appears to be a little hesitant with it. A bit more confidence and trust on that non-dominant wing would help her become even more dangerous and bamboozling to full-backs.

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  What comes next?

  Over the next few weeks, we'll either see Ovalle make her highly-anticipated move to Europe, or we'll learn that that chapter of her exciting career will come in the summer. In one sense, a January transfer could be even more beneficial to her, as well as Tigres, because she'll get half a season to bed into her new team. But whether one materialises will depend on the willingness among Europe's elite to pay a decent fee for a player they could get for free this summer.

  The competition will only be hotter then, though, and after all, there's little doubt that Ovalle would be worth the money.