Antonio Cordón saw Lucas Beltrán slip away after a phone call as Sevilla reshape attack | OneFootball

Sevilla’s summer rebuild under Antonio Cordón is taking shape, with targets including Arouna Sangante, Juan Iglesias and Patrick Mercado. Marcao has obtained Spanish nationality, opening a non-EU squad place. According to Héctor Gómez, Sevilla also came close to landing Lucas Beltrán last summer before a phone call changed the picture.

The newly freed slot had seemed earmarked for Mercado, the Independiente del Valle prospect. The Ecuadorian has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear in his right knee, a setback that rules him out of the next World Cup and places a six million euros agreement in doubt.

Up front remains the pressing issue. Sevilla explored several options last summer and eventually added the veteran Alexis Sánchez, whose stint appears set to end in June. Neal Maupay is also not expected to stay beyond his current loan.

Beltrán had virtually agreed to join, then a personal call from Enzo Barrenechea, at the time a Valencia player, proved decisive as the striker chose Mestalla instead.

Valencia are now trying to keep him amid growing interest from RCD Espanyol and complications in a move for Largie Ramazani. Beltrán remains contracted to ACF Fiorentina and is enjoying a standout LaLiga campaign.

Source: La Colina De Nervion