Sevilla FC Navigates Winter Transfer Challenges Amid Economic Constraints

Sevilla FC remains one of the few teams in the lower tier of LaLiga that has yet to make a signing during the current winter transfer window. The club’s economic crisis significantly hampers the acquisition of reinforcements, despite the limited resources available within the squad. Antonio Cordón, the club’s sporting director, stated, “If you sell players, due to the existing imbalance, you cannot utilize the amounts received from those sales; instead, you only have access to very small sums. What we also do not want is for the squad to depreciate.” This comment was made prior to the match against Elche. Beyond the departures of Álvaro Fernández and Ramón Martínez, Cordón intends to maximize the remaining days of the transfer window to secure potential signings that he has been evaluating.

According to Matteo Moretto, a journalist specializing in the transfer market, Sevilla is increasingly close to securing Patrik Mercado, a midfielder from Independiente del Valle, whom they have been monitoring for several months. Competition for the Ecuadorian player has intensified, with interest from clubs such as Sporting de Braga, Wolfsburg, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and several Brazilian teams. Despite this competition, Cordón’s strong relationship with the Ecuadorian Football Federation—where he previously served as sporting director—provides Sevilla with a significant advantage in negotiations.

As reported by Moretto, Sevilla and Independiente del Valle are exploring a mutually beneficial arrangement. Initially, it appears Mercado may remain in Ecuador for an additional six months—where the transfer is reportedly considered finalized—until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. However, Sevilla aims to incorporate him into the squad this January. This latter scenario largely hinges on the potential departure of Joan Jordán, which would free up the necessary salary space to facilitate the transfer.

Patrik Mercado is regarded as one of the most promising talents in South American football. Over the past season, he has played 48 matches with Independiente del Valle, contributing seven goals and 11 assists, winning the LigaPro, and reaching the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana. With a valuation of €5.5 million on Transfermarkt, he is considered the most valuable player in the Ecuadorian league and is under contract until December 2027. Consequently, his club is likely to demand a higher fee for a transfer should it occur during this winter window.