Fernando Gorriaran joins Tigres UANL from Santos Laguna | OneFootball

Fernando Gorriaran is headed to Tigres UANL. The Uruguayan player became the first signing for Tigres under new head coach Diego Cocca, ahead of the 2023 Liga MX Clausura.

"Welcome to the most passionate team in the country, @nandogorriaran. Come on, Uruguayan!" announced Tigres on social Media.

Gorriaran departs Santos Laguna after two years, where he managed 18 goals and 19 assists in 119 overall appearances. He played an integral part in Eduardo Fentanes’ side during the 2022 Apertura, leading Santos Laguna to third on the table with 33 points in 17 games before falling in the quarterfinals against Toluca. He will now form part of a new Tigres era under Diego Cocca.

"I spoke with Diego Cocca before coming here and the truth convinced me of him and the truth is very happy and happy to be here," revealed the midfielder.

"I'm going to do my best for the shirt, for these colors, I'm going to defend them as if they were mine for the rest of my life. Hopefully we can achieve important things together.”

Cocca replaced former head coach Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera, who departed following the Liguilla quarter-final loss against Pachuca. The new manager now hopes to guide Tigres back to winning ways.

Though Tigres has been one of the most successful Liga MX teams in the past decade, winning five league titles, one Concacaf Champions League and standing as runners-up in CONMEBOL Libertadores, a trophy is now long overdue. The team has not won anything since 2019, despite being one of the most valuable squads in the Mexican league.

The 2023 Clausura kicks off on January 6, giving Cocca and Gorriaran time to adjust.