UPDATE, July 11: According to Armando Melgar of Record in Mexico, Jonathan Borja now is no longer in Cruz Azul's plans, as the Mexican side took issue with El Nacional's approach on a potential permanent signing: specifically, that when approached by Columbus with an offer, El Nacional looked to push Cruz Azul into executing their option on the player before it was necessary.
This falling out clears the path for him to join Columbus, according to the report.
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Columbus Crew SC are reportedly interested in signing Ecuadorian midfielder Jonathan Borja, but Cruz Azul might have something to say about that in the coming months.
The 26-year-old is currently on loan with the Liga MX squad from Ecuador’s CD El Nacional. It’s a deal that expires in December, but Mexican reporter Carlos Cordova said Cruz Azul are intent on exercising the purchase option to make the deal permanent.
Borja, who has one goal in three appearances with Cruz Azul since his loan stint started on Jan. 31, is well-traveled in a 10-year professional career. He’s worn seven different jerseys and had seven loan stints, exclusively in Ecuador outside of his current deal with Cruz Azul.
Borja made his Ecuador national team debut in a September, 2019 international friendly against Peru, coming off the bench for a 25-minute stint.