Report: Chivas land PSV's Richard Ledezma as first signing ahead of Apertura 2025

While the search for a new head coach continues, Chivas have reportedly secured their first reinforcement for the upcoming Apertura 2025 and the Leagues Cup. The Guadalajara-based club has reached a verbal agreement with PSV Eindhoven’s Richard Ledezma, according to César Luis Merlo.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, but of Mexican descent, the 24-year-old right-back is expected to join Chivas on a contract through June 2029. Although the club has yet to confirm the transfer officially, all indications suggest the deal will be announced in the coming days.

Ledezma began his professional career in 2018 with Real Monarchs in the United Soccer League (USL). He later joined PSV’s youth system and broke into the Dutch club’s first team in 2020. In 2023, he spent time on loan with New York City FC in Major League Soccer before returning to PSV, where he featured regularly in the 2024–25 season. This year alone, he has played 24 matches in the Eredivisie, 11 in the UEFA Champions League, and three in the KNVB Cup.

While Ledezma’s arrival adds depth to the squad, the coaching vacancy remains unresolved. Chivas recently saw their deal with former Manchester City assistant Domènec Torrent fall through, and negotiations with Gabriel Milito are ongoing. In the meantime, sporting director Javier Mier continues to work on strengthening the roster.

Ledezma has only made one senior appearance for the United States national team — a friendly match in 2020, where the U.S. defeated Panama 6-2. Although he also represented the U.S. at various youth levels, he hasn’t been called up since that lone senior cap. Because it was not an official competitive match, Ledezma could still be eligible to switch allegiance and represent Mexico in the future.

The team is set to return to training on May 21 to begin preparations for preseason. As of now, Chivas have only confirmed one departure: the sale of Mateo Chávez to AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie. Most of the current squad, which failed to qualify for the Clausura 2025 Liguilla, is expected to remain intact.

One key question remains — the future of veteran forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. While no official decision has been announced, early signs suggest he will stay with the club.

Chivas is set to begin its Leagues Cup campaign on July 31 against the New York Red Bulls. The Guadalajara club will also face Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati in the group stage.