Enner Valencia leaves Pachuca as club looks for a new striker

Club Pachuca announced that 36‑year‑old Ecuadorian forward Enner Valencia will leave the team after his contract expired at the end of June 2026. The club thanked Valencia for his two spells with the Tuzos – 2013‑14 (18 goals in 25 matches) and 2025‑26 (26 goals in 47 matches) – and praised his role with the Ecuador national team in the 2014, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.

Valencia chose not to activate a renewal clause, making him a free agent. He also confirmed his retirement from the Ecuadorian squad following the World Cup round‑of‑16 loss to Mexico. Pachuca is preparing for the Apertura 2026, debuting on 18 July against Pumas UNAM, and is actively seeking a replacement, with Salomón Rondón mentioned as a possible option.

Potential destinations for Valencia include a return to Ecuador’s Emelec, a move within Liga MX, a transfer to MLS or a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, though no deal has been finalized.