Club América’s transfer window has been full of surprises, but it appears to be just the beginning as the club prepares for what lies ahead in the coming months. The Eagles are already preparing to address several imminent situations and one potential decision under serious consideration is the possible return of Cristian Calderón to the team.
Calderón has always contemplated a return to América once his loan contract with Necaxa concludes. This didn’t seem possible due to the depth the team already has at the left-back position; however, it was recently revealed that the Eagles are considering the departure of Cristian Borja, who reportedly has an offer to leave after the 2026 World Cup.
According to journalist León Lecanda, the defender is in negotiations with clubs in the Middle East, with the aim of signing a contract that represents a significant financial leap. Even as América has not made any official statement regarding this, all indications suggest that this will be Cristian Borja’s final tournament with the club.
Adding to this, Ralph Orquin, one of the talents the club had high expectations for, is reportedly completely out of the Eagles’ plans. The left-back will become a free agent after the conclusion of the Clausura 2026 tournament, making Cristian Calderón’s return ideal to help in the development process of Thiago Espinosa, the club’s recent signing.
Orquin Ruled Out as Borja’s Successor
It’s worth noting that América attempted to renew Ralph Orquin’s contract on several occasions, as the club fully trusts his potential. However, the player remained firm in his decision not to extend his contractual link with the Eagles and, is not being considered as a possible successor to Cristian Borja, who is a regular starter in Jardine’s team.
The move to bring back Calderón would be straightforward for América, as the player belongs to the club and will have to return for the next Liga MX season. André Jardine has always expressed his admiration for Calderón’s quality and how he regained his best form at Coapa, so they would not hesitate to give him another opportunity.
Currently, both Cristian Calderón and Franco Rossano remain on loan with Necaxa until the summer of 2026. América decided not to exercise the buyback clause to reincorporate either player. Rossano, a 20-year-old, has recently stood out by registering three assists for the Rayos, demonstrating his growing potential.
The decision not to bring back Calderón and Rossano immediately isn’t necessarily a reflection of their abilities, but rather a strategic choice by the club to manage resources and maintain a balance between investment, and performance. The door remains open for their return in the future, but for now, Necaxa will continue to benefit from their contributions.
Calderón, who currently plays as a left-back for Necaxa on loan from América, began his professional career with Atlas in 2015, making his debut in the Copa MX. He later had stints with Necaxa and Guadalajara before returning to América in 2024. His versatility and experience develop him a valuable asset, and his potential return could provide a much-needed boost to América’s squad.
The situation with Borja’s potential departure creates a clear need for reinforcement at the left-back position. While Jardine previously favored other options, the possibility of Calderón returning presents a compelling solution. His familiarity with the club and his proven track record make him a logical choice to fill the void left by Borja, should he indeed move to the Middle East.
the decision rests with América’s management and Jardine. However, the circumstances surrounding Borja’s potential transfer and the availability of a proven player like Calderón suggest that a return to the Nido is a incredibly real possibility for the 28-year-old.
