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- Zúñiga scored 12 goals last season
- América paid $3 million for 100 percent of his rights
- He will sign a two-year deal with an option to extend
With the new Liga MX season getting underway this weekend, Club América are closing in on a major attacking reinforcement. Multiple sources have confirmed the club has reached a deal to sign José Raúl “La Pantera” Zúñiga from Xolos de Tijuana.
The 30-year-old Colombian striker, who tied for the Clausura 2025 golden boot with 12 goals, is said to be joining América on a permanent deal worth $3 million. He’ll reportedly sign a two-year contract with an option to extend, and his salary will be higher than what he earned at Tijuana.
ESPN was the first to report America signing Zúñiga.
So far, América’s summer window has been relatively quiet, with only Alexis Gutiérrez and Isaías Violante arriving. After losing the Clausura 2025 final to Toluca, fans have been vocal in demanding higher-caliber signings – especially with injuries continuing to sideline star striker Henry Martín.
With other rumored targets like Diber Cambindo (Necaxa) and Denis Bouanga (LAFC) out of reach, the front office turned its focus to Zúñiga, whose physical presence, pace, and reliable finishing made him a standout last season. He shared the top scorer honor with Uroš Đurđević of Atlas and Paulinho Dias of Toluca.
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América initially tried to secure Zúñiga on loan, but Tijuana rejected the proposal. That pushed the Azulcrema board to act fast and trigger a full transfer – despite some hesitation about signing a player already in his 30s.
Zúñiga is expected in Mexico City soon to undergo medical tests. If all goes well, he’ll be officially unveiled as América’s newest forward – just in time for the start of the new campaign.
André Jardine’s América will kick off their Apertura 2025 campaign this Friday with a Matchday 1 clash against FC Juárez.
