Chelsea and Fulham are keen on signing 22-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Patrik Mercado from Independiente del Valle in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Patrik Mercado is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Independiente del Valle prospect has emerged as a target for the West London club.
The latest report has revealed that the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup winners have expressed their interest in Mercado. However, Chelsea will not be alone in the battle for the South American midfielder’s signature, as Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Fulham are also keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.
Who is Patrik Mercado?
Patrik Mercado is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. Several young prodigies have burst into the spotlight at Independiente del Valle, in particular, with Piero Hincapie, Moises Caicedo, and Willian Pacho making their mark at the club before moving to Europe.
As for Mercado, the 22-year-old spent his formative years with Independiente del Valle and is now a regular for the first team. The Ecuadorian international has made over 100 appearances for the club thus far while chipping in with 11 goals and 13 assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Chelsea and Fulham.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Patrik Mercado is surprising. While the Blues never shy away from signing promising prospects, particularly from South America, they have stacked midfield and offensive units. Additionally, Mercado primarily occupies a position where Cole Palmer is the first-choice starter for Chelsea. Nevertheless, the youngster has emerged as a target for the West London club, and they have registered their interest in him.
As for Fulham, Marco Silva wants more firepower in the final third heading into the 2026/27 season. While the Cottagers have been excellent this term, a top-notch attacking midfielder can be a game-changing addition to the first-team squad at Craven Cottage. So, Mercado is a viable target for Fulham.
Apart from Chelsea and Fulham, Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen on signing the 22-year-old Ecuadorian international in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the youngster amid his links with Premier League clubs.
