A little traveled road
In our football, we are used to seeing South American talent arriving to shine in Liga MX. It is the normal flow. But for a young Mexican, one of the great promises of a big team, to take the opposite path to Brazil… that is another story.
And even more so when we talk about a club like Flamengo. It’s not just any destination. It is one of the giants of the continent, an institution with brutal demands and an impressive talent pool.
Who is Diego Reyes and why does he matter?
We are talking about Diego Reyes, a Mexican attacker who is barely 18 years old. This boy is not just any player. He stood out in the basic forces of America to such an extent that he attracted attention beyond our borders.
His signing is not a definitive sale, at least for now. Reports indicate that it is a loan with purchase option. He will join the ‘Mengão’ U-20 team, where he will have to prove his worth in one of the most competitive breeding grounds in the world.
These same sources indicate that there are high expectations about the performance of the young attacker and his potential to adapt to the demanding Brazilian football.
This movement says a lot. First, it speaks well of the work in the lower categories of América, capable of developing players with international projection. Second, and perhaps more important, it is a litmus test for Reyes.
Brazilian football does not forgive. He is fast, physical and technical. If Diego manages to adapt and shine there, not only will doors open for him, but he could set a precedent. We could start to see more young Mexican talent seeking challenges in high-level South American leagues to develop.
For America it is a smart bet. Its value is appreciated abroad. If Flamengo exercises the option, it will be a good economic operation. If not, come back with invaluable international experience.
It’s a great opportunity for the boy. An enormous challenge, but those are the tests that forge great competitors. We will all be watching his performance in Rio.
