Ecuadorian Patrik Mercado, 22, had a deal in place with Sevilla, but a knee rupture detected during medical examinations has put the six million euro operation on hold.
Sevilla's sporting director, José Ignacio Navarro, confirmed on Wednesday that the signing of Ecuadorian midfielder Patrik Mercado is not finalised. The Seville club detected a serious knee injury in the player, which has stalled his signing, valued at six million euros.
In a press conference held at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, Navarro explained that "an agreement was reached for a possible signing. Certain conditions must be met, and until they are, it cannot be determined whether he will be a Sevilla player or join another club." The executive clarified that "at no time was a date set for a medical examination" following the announcement that confirmed his signing with Sevilla.
A signing conditioned by injury
Mercado, aged 22, suffered a knee rupture months ago that prevented him from attending the World Cup with the Ecuadorian national team. Sevilla, which had planned to present him as their fourth summer signing, encountered the injury during medical tests. Now, the club must decide whether to proceed with the operation, despite the player being sidelined for several months.
Navarro did not reveal if there is a deadline for the operation to expire. "Regarding the first part, it is part of confidentiality. I cannot venture to say anything more," he added. Sevilla also currently has no registration margin, although the long duration of the injury would allow for a delay in his registration without issues in the short term.
The precedent of other conditional signings
This is not the first time Sevilla has faced a similar situation. In the past, the club has completed deals for injured players with medical review clauses. However, the uncertainty surrounding Mercado's recovery and the six million investment make the management think twice. The player, in the meantime, still belongs to Independiente del Valle, as Navarro confirmed.
For Sevilla fans, this situation generates uncertainty. The club needed to strengthen the midfield after several player departures, and Mercado was seen as a future investment. However, his injury has changed the plans. We will have to wait for Sevilla to complete the thorough medical examination and decide whether to take the risk or look for other options in the market.
In the meantime, the club continues to work on other signings. The three signings presented this noon at the Sánchez-Pizjuán are already official, but the fourth operation, that of Mercado, remains in limbo. Time is running out and summer is advancing, but in Nervión they prefer not to rush. As Navarro said, "until the conditions are met, it cannot be determined."
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