Sevilla ‘to scrap’ Patrick Mercado deal after knee injury | OneFootball

El Pelotazo reports that Sevilla have scrapped their move for Independiente del Valle midfielder Patrick Mercado after a serious knee injury.

Sevilla had announced a preliminary agreement with Independiente del Valle in late February for six million euros. They reversed course after assessing the full extent of the midfielder’s fitness issues.

Mercado suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in March, an injury expected to keep him out for about nine months. There was pressure from South America over potential legal action if the deal collapsed, though Antonio Cordón had previously said Sevilla had legal safeguards for such serious injuries.

The 22-year-old, voted his league’s best player last season, had his European move within reach before the setback. He now begins a long rehabilitation and will not play at the next World Cup.

For now, Sevilla’s recruitment stands at two confirmed additions, full-back Juan Iglesias and centre-back Arouna Sangante. Progress on Marius Marin and other deals is on hold until a new sporting director arrives after Antonio Cordón’s resignation. Marc Boixasa is being tipped to replace him.

Source: La Colina De Nervion