The summer transfer market has begun, and a major question in the world of Cruz Azul is what will happen with the players who belong to the club and return from their loans. One of those cases is Mauro Zaleta, who will cause a new absence for this Apertura 2026. According to information from Iliany Aparicio of the Record newspaper, Zaleta will become a new reinforcement for Atlante for the next season. “After his good passage through Mazatlán, the Cruz Azul youth player is on the radar of the blue and white team and has high possibilities of becoming a reinforcement for Miguel Herrera's team”, wrote the reporter who covers the daily Celestial in her X account. Mauro Zaleta will go from Cruz Azul to Mazatlán. (@ilianyaparicio) ## Zaleta came from a great year in Mazatlán The decision to cede Zaleta generates some surprise. After not shining with the first team of La Máquina, the left back was loaned to the Sinaloan team in the middle of 2025. And he had a great year: he played 26 games (16 in the Clausura), scored two goals and made one assist, being one of the most solid players in the Cañonero club. see also Joel Huiqui knows him and will try to exploit him with Cruz Azul: Samuel Espinosa With 24 years, after a good season, and with the need for La Máquina to have left backs, many expected Zaleta to be taken into account by Joel Huiqui, at least as an alternative. Weeks ago, Adrián Esparza anticipated that both he and Javier Suárez would return to report, subject to the technical director's evaluation. Mauro Zaleta had a great year with Mazatlán. (Imago 7) Despite all this, the reality indicates that he would leave again, this time to occupy a role in the structure of the Potros de Hierro in their return to the First Division. For the moment, the terms in which the youth player would cause a new absence are unknown. Survey Do you think Cruz Azul should have retained Zaleta for the Apertura? Do you think Cruz Azul should have retained Zaleta for the Apertura? Already voted 0 people ## What left backs does Cruz Azul have for the Apertura 2026? If we talk about natural left backs, Cruz Azul has Omar Campos for the left and Jorge Rodarte for the right. Rodolfo Rotondi can also play in that position, although naturally he is a winger, while Javier Suárez would be evaluated. Joel Huiqui has also used Jeremy Márquez in that position, although with a five-man line and not being his natural position.