In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Chelsea have set their sights on Independent playmaker Patrik Mercado. It has been mentioned that the Blues are eyeing a move to lure the Ecuadorian talent to Stamford Bridge, but are facing competition from Brighton and Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Fulham in the race to sign him.
Mercado’s Impressive Rise In Ecuadorian Football
Mercado has come through the youth ranks of the Ecuadorian club and has done well to prove his worth as a decent performer for their senior team. The 22-year-old has already made 116 senior appearances for Independent thus far, scoring 11 goals and picking up 13 assists in the process across various competitions.
The Ecuadorian talent is currently among the best young playmakers in South American football. Thus, it is only logical for Chelsea to try and get a deal done for him this summer.
His current contract at Independent will expire at the end of 2027, which could open the door for the Blues to sign him on a cut-price deal later this year.
Should Chelsea Boss Liam Rosenior Snap Mercado Up?
Mercado can create a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He can strike the ball with venom from long range and has got the vision to create some inviting chances for his teammates in the final third.
The Ecuadorian sensation is a good dribbler with the ball as well. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if the Blues manage to sign him later this year.
We can expect Mercado to add more firepower to Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior’s frontline in the long run. He is good enough to serve as a good, rotational piece in the West London club’s match-day squad.
At 22, Mercado has got the potential to be a world-class player in his position someday. Therefore, it makes sense for the Blues to snap him up at the end of this campaign. However, Rosenior has to give him some time to adjust to life in England before he can get the best out of the talented playmaker at Stamford Bridge.
