The sporting director of Sevilla FC, José Ignacio Navarro, has confirmed that the signing of Ecuadorian Patrik Mercado will not be finalised until he passes the medical examination, following the serious injury he suffered in February.
Sevilla FC presented its first three signings of the 2026-2027 season on Tuesday: Jon Guridi, Juan Iglesias, and Arouna Sangante posed with the Sevilla shirt at an event that also featured the new sporting director, José Ignacio Navarro. However, the name that drew the most questions was that of Patrik Mercado, the Ecuadorian midfielder whose signing remains uncertain.
Agreement conditional on Mercado's recovery
Sevilla FC and Independiente del Valle reached an agreement in February for six million euros for Mercado's transfer. But a serious injury to the player halted the operation. Navarro explained that the club has not set a deadline for the player to pass the medical examination, which is an essential requirement for the signing to be effective.
"An agreement was reached for the possible signing, but certain conditions must be met just like in all the operations we conduct for incoming and outgoing players," stated Navarro at the press conference. The sporting director avoided giving details about the agreement, citing confidentiality, and referred to the information already published by the club.
Caution in Nervión after initial optimism
While there was optimism from Ecuador in February, in the Andalusian capital, the operation is being approached with caution. Mercado's long period of inactivity due to the injury and the lack of confirmation about his physical condition keep Sevilla fans on edge. Navarro insisted that "until those conditions are met," it cannot be confirmed whether the midfielder will belong to Sevilla or continue with Independiente del Valle.
For Sevilla fans, this uncertainty poses a setback in the planning of the squad. The club has already signed three players, but Mercado's arrival would add quality to the midfield, an area that needs reinforcements following departures in recent years.
Sevilla remains attentive to the medical report
The next key date will be when Mercado receives medical clearance and can travel to Sevilla for tests. Until then, the club will maintain caution. Meanwhile, the new signings are already working under García Pimienta in pre-season, hoping that the Ecuadorian will join them soon.
"We did not set a deadline for Mercado to pass the medical exams," emphasised Navarro, making it clear that the player's health is the priority.
Fans, in the meantime, are awaiting news. Mercado's operation, valued at 6 million euros, is one of Sevilla's future bets, but the injury has raised doubts. In Nervión, they are confident that the player will recover and be able to wear the white and red shirt this season.
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