Fulham star Raúl Jiménez must cut wages for América move

Raúl Jiménez’s long-held dream of returning to Club América remains alive — but only if the Fulham striker is willing to make a major financial sacrifice.

The Mexico international has never hidden his desire to return to the club where it all began, and this week he once again spoke openly about wanting to wear the América shirt before the end of his career. However, reports from Mexico suggest sentiment alone will not be enough. Any move back to the Estadio Azteca would require Jiménez to significantly reduce his current Premier League wages.

According to Aguilas Monumental, discussions around a potential return have resurfaced, but the financial gap between Fulham and América remains the biggest obstacle. With Jiménez’s contract in west London entering its final year, the coming months could prove decisive.

Aguilas Monumental report that Jiménez would need to “significantly reduce” his salary to make a move viable. The striker is currently among Fulham’s higher earners, with his annual wage estimated at around €5.8m — a figure well beyond América’s current salary structure.

For context, América’s top earner is Henry Martín, who reportedly earns between €4m and €4.5m per year. Jiménez would need to accept a similar package to fit within the club’s financial framework.

That demand represents a notable concession, but it is not viewed as unrealistic given Jiménez’s age, his emotional connection to the club, and the fact that his Fulham deal expires next summer.

Jiménez’s relationship with Club América runs deep. A product of the club’s academy, he made his senior debut in 2011 and went on to enjoy a highly successful first spell in Mexico before moving to Europe.

Between 2011 and 2014, Jiménez made 103 appearances for América, scoring 38 goals and providing 16 assists. He played a key role in their 2013 Clausura title win and quickly became one of the most exciting forwards in Liga MX.

Since then, his career has taken him through Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Wolves and now Fulham — but the idea of returning “home” has remained a recurring theme in his interviews.

In our view, this is the first time Jiménez’s long-discussed return feels genuinely plausible. With his Fulham contract expiring next summer, América would not need to negotiate a transfer fee — shifting the balance of power towards the player.

Having followed Jiménez’s career since his Wolves peak, it is clear that legacy now matters as much as performance. A return to América would allow him to close the circle, reconnect with supporters and potentially extend his career in a familiar environment.

That said, the wage cut is not a minor detail. Dropping close to €1.5m per year is a significant decision, especially when Premier League extensions or MLS offers could still emerge. Although some reports suggest América are confident, the final call will come down to how much Jiménez prioritises sentiment over salary.

Unless Jiménez pushes hard for an early exit, any move is more likely to develop toward the summer rather than January. América will watch closely, while Fulham focus on immediate Premier League priorities.

👉 Fulham fans — would you keep Jiménez for another season, or let him fulfil his América dream if the opportunity arises?