Sevilla FC Eyes Ecuadorian Talent Patrik Mercado for January Transfer

Sevilla FC is once again turning its attention to South America. According to Matteo Moretto from Radio MARCA, sporting director Antonio Cordón is in talks to bring Patrik Mercado, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian player currently with Independiente del Valle, to the club in January. While negotiations are still in the early stages, Moretto noted that the club has been monitoring Mercado for some time. Born in Tena, Mercado was part of the team that won the Copa Sudamericana in 2022 and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2023, and he has emerged as one of South America’s exciting talents this year.

This season, Mercado has established himself as a key player under the guidance of Javier Rabanal, the Spanish coach of Independiente del Valle. He has participated in 45 matches, starting 35, and has recorded 7 goals and 11 assists across LigaPro, the Libertadores, and the Sudamericana, where his team reached the semifinals. Additionally, Mercado has made his mark on the international stage, recently debuting for Ecuador in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Paraguay. Coach Sebastián Beccacece has called him up again for the current international window.

In terms of playing style, Mercado is a right-footed midfielder known for his offensive capabilities, primarily operating as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing. Standing at 1.77 meters, he excels at breaking lines through dribbling, displays notable speed, and possesses strong technical skills, including a powerful long-range shot and proficiency in set pieces. His current contract runs until December 2027, and his market value is estimated at €5 million according to Transfermarkt.

Presently, Independiente del Valle is competing in the hexagonal stage for the Ecuadorian championship, which will conclude on December 21. Two months ago, Rabanal confirmed in an interview that Mercado would remain with the team until the end of the season, but indicated that he would depart afterward. Club executive Andrés Larriva further clarified on radio La Red, stating that there was a commitment for Mercado to travel to Europe to finalize his transfer.

Since August, various media outlets have linked Mercado’s future with clubs such as Sporting Braga, Wolfsburg, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as interest from Bologna, Club Brugge, Chelsea, and Girona. However, Cordón’s familiarity with South American football, stemming from his previous role as sporting director of the Ecuadorian Football Federation, could play a pivotal role in facilitating Mercado’s move to Sevilla.