Could This Be ‘Hormiga’ González’s Last Dance with Chivas? A Simple Guide to the Big Transfer Rumor

The Big Picture: What’s Happening?

Imagine you’re playing for your favorite local team, but a famous, faraway club wants to sign you. That’s exactly what’s happening with Armando ‘Hormiga’ González right now.

The upcoming match—Santos vs. Chivas (Matchday 4 of the Apertura 2026 tournament)—might be the last time we see the 23-year-old forward wearing the Chivas jersey. Why? Because a major European club, Olympiacos from Greece, is trying really hard to buy him.

The Offer: How Much Money Are We Talking About?

According to the Greek sports portal Sport24, the negotiation has heated up with a new and improved offer.

Here is the breakdown of the numbers:

1. The New Bid: Approximately €8.5 million (about $9.8 million USD).
2. The Sweetener (Sell-On Clause): Chivas would keep 20% of any future transfer fee if Olympiacos sells González later. This is like keeping a lottery ticket—if he becomes a superstar and gets sold for a huge price, Chivas gets a big payday later.
3. The First Bid: The initial offer was lower, around $7 million USD.

Important Point: The "Release Clause" Hurdle
Every player has a "release clause"—a set price written in their contract that guarantees they can leave if a club pays it. González’s clause is $15 million USD.

• Current Offer: ~$9.8 million
• Release Clause: $15 million
• The Gap: The offer is $5.2 million short of the "automatic exit" price.
• What this means: Chivas does not have to accept this offer. They can say "no" or ask for more money.

Why Does González Want to Go to Olympiacos?

You might wonder: Why Greece? Why this team?

1. The Player’s Wish

Reports say González is "convinced" and wants to play for Olympiacos. He sees it as the right step for his career.

2. He Said "No" Before (The Russia Situation)

This isn’t his first chance to leave. Earlier this year, he rejected an offer from CSKA Moscow (Russia).

• Why? Russian clubs are currently banned from UEFA competitions (like the Champions League and Europa League) due to geopolitical sanctions.
• González didn’t want to go somewhere he couldn’t play in the biggest European tournaments. Smart move!

3. European Football is Guaranteed

Even though Olympiacos lost in the Champions League Qualifying Round 3 (missing out on the main tournament), they qualified for the Europa League League Phase for the 2026-27 season.

• Translation: González will play European football next season against top teams from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.

The "Secret Weapon": A Shortcut to the Premier League?

This is the most exciting part for a young player dreaming of the biggest stage.

Evangelos Marinakis, the Greek shipping magnate who owns Olympiacos, also owns Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.

The Potential Pathway:

1. Shine at Olympiacos (Play well in Greece & Europa League).
2. Get noticed by the same owner.
3. Potential transfer to Nottingham Forest (The Premier League!).

This "multi-club ownership" model makes Olympiacos a perfect stepping stone for a player aiming for England.

What Happens Next? (The Timeline)

1. The Match: Santos vs. Chivas (Jornada 4) plays out. This could be González’s farewell.
2. The Analysis: Chivas management sits down to crunch the numbers. They look at the $9.8M offer + 20% sell-on clause vs. the $15M clause.
3. The Decision:
   • Accept: González packs his bags for Greece.
   • Reject/Counter: Negotiations continue, or he stays at Chivas for now.
4. The Medical: If agreed, González flies to Greece for a medical exam.
5. Official Announcement: "Hormiga" becomes an Olympiacos player.

Summary

• Who: Armando ‘Hormiga’ González (23, Chivas Forward).
• What: Potential transfer to Olympiacos (Greece).
• When: Could happen before/after the Santos vs. Chivas game (Jornada 4, Apertura 2026).
• Money: Offer ~$9.8M + 20% future sell-on fee. Release clause is $15M.
• Why Olympiacos? Europa League football, player wants to go, owner also owns a Premier League team (Nottingham Forest).
• Context: He previously rejected Russia (CSKA Moscow) because of UEFA bans.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. What does "Hormiga" mean?

It means "Ant" in Spanish. It’s his nickname, likely because he is small, fast, and hardworking on the field—just like an ant!

2. What is a "Sell-On Clause" (20% of resale)?

Think of it like this: Chivas sells a used car (González) to Olympiacos for $10k. Two years later, Olympiacos sells that car to a Premier League team for $50k. Because of the 20% clause, Chivas gets $10k ($50k x 20%) from that second sale. It’s a way for the selling club to bet on the player’s future success.

3. Why is the Release Clause ($15M) important?

It’s the "Buy Now" price tag. If Olympiacos pays $15M, Chivas must let him go—no negotiation needed. Since the offer is lower ($9.8M), Chivas holds all the cards and can say "No thanks."

4. Is the Europa League a big deal?

Yes! It is the second biggest club tournament in Europe (after the Champions League). Playing in the "League Phase" (the new format replacing the group stage) guarantees at least 8 games against top European opposition. It’s huge for a player’s development and visibility.

5. Does owning Nottingham Forest guarantee he goes to the Premier League?

No guarantees in football! But it creates a direct pipeline. The scouts, data analysts, and coaching philosophy are shared between the clubs. If González dominates in Greece, the path to England is much shorter and easier than if he were at a club with no Premier League connections.