Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea’s interest in Patrik Mercado forced Sevilla into a rapid deal for the youngster this week.
That’s according to El Pespunte. The Spanish outlet cover the 22-year-old today and how Sevilla knew there was ‘no time to lose’ once the Premier League duo turned up.
They had only been carrying out ‘strategic scouting’ of the young midfielder but that ‘quickly turned into a race against time’ as soon as Chelsea showed their hand.
the Blues’ growing interest in Mercado forced Sevilla to act quickly and securing the signing of the midfielder from Independiente del Valle.
They were keen to avoid a bidding war, knowing they couldn’t have won financially.
The objective was clear. Close the deal before the Chelsea ‘machine’ fully kicked into gear’. The Blues had been looking at Mercado for some time.
Chelsea interest longstanding
Sport Witness covered a report in October stating that Chelsea were interested. They were named again in December in a report stating Wolves were leading the way. Sevilla were aware of that.
Thus, they knew that when Chelsea started stepping up, they needed to move fast. Thus, they secured a deal worth close to €6m for the 22-year-old.
The interest wasn’t the only problem either. There was also a last-minute attempt by Brighton to get ahead of their Spanish counterparts. Mercado, though, stood by his commitment to Sevilla.
Announcement in 24 hours
An official announcement is expected in the next 24 hours. He is unlikely to officially join until after the World Cup, though.
That will suit Sevilla, with Sport Witness covering a report earlier today on how they need to make space in their squad before they can register him. That had potentially given Chelsea the chance to steal in.
But it seems in Spain they’re confident that a deal will be done. Sevilla have moved quickly to get him ahead of Chelsea and Brighton following their last-minute attempts.