Mexicans in Europe Race Against the Clock: Lira Eyes Russia, Alvarez Waits on Greece

Europe's transfer market has already shut the front door in several countries, but the Mexican contingent still has a crack to slip through. While the big leagues turn off the lights, a handful of Mexicans are waiting for a last minute call in countries where the clock is still running: the Netherlands, Scotland, Turkey, Russia, Greece and Portugal.

The busiest case is that of Erik Lira. Just a few weeks ago the midfielder had his bags packed for Monaco, but that option fell through and now the Cruz Azul player is hoping for something close to a miracle before the deadlines run out. The strongest alternative right now is Russia, whose transfer window closes on September 10. In fact, there's already an offer on the table for the Cruz Azul front office from that country. A move to the United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, looks increasingly distant, though in soccer a last minute surprise can never be ruled out.

Another name still in limbo is Edson Alvarez. The Mexican national team captain remains in England's second division and came close to leaving for Real Sociedad, a deal that ultimately didn't come together before the Spanish market closed. There's still talk of him possibly resurfacing in Greece with Olympiacos, where he could reunite with Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez. The Greek league, like the Portuguese one, has its deadline on September 15, so there's still time for that move to take shape.

Vargas and Fidalgo Waiting on a Loan

At Atletico Madrid, Obed Vargas is watching his options to leave dwindle. With the major leagues already closed for registrations, the Mexican midfielder will most likely stay put under Diego Simeone, fighting for minutes, no easy task given the competition on that roster.

A similar situation surrounds Alvaro Fidalgo at Real Betis. The midfielder arrived in Europe last season and in recent months was linked with clubs like Getafe and Rayo Vallecano, but with the Spanish market now closed, those options are completely off the table. What remains alive is the possibility that Betis loans him out to a club in Portugal or the Netherlands, leagues that still have a few days of leeway before closing up shop.

With the clocks ticking differently in each country, the Mexican legion in Europe is living through days of uncertainty. Some, like Lira or Alvarez, are still dreaming of a change of scenery, others, like Vargas and Fidalgo, are already coming to terms with having to stay and fight for their place right where they are.