Young Mexico star Diego Lainez has agreed to a deal that send him from Club America to La Liga side Real Betis.
The future of 18-year-old left-footed forward Lainez has been the subject of speculation since he helped the Liga MX side win the 2018 Apertura title on Dec. 16.
"I'm happy to be a part of Betis and it is a good opportunity for everyone," Lainez said
Dutch powerhouse Ajax had been the reported favored destination, until Betis sporting director Serra Ferrer flew to Mexico earlier in the week to seal the deal for the Spanish side.
"It's our turn to support Diego in accomplishing his goal and his dream of going to Europe," read a Club America statement. "We are sure that he'll do Club America and our beloved Mexico proud, as he always has."
Lainez will undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a deal that Betis confirmed will extend until 2024.
Lainez made his debut for the full national team on Sept. 8 last year against Uruguay and is regarded as the brightest talent of Mexico's upcoming generation of players. He netted five goals in 39 Liga MX appearances for Las Aguilas.
Lainez will travel to Spain on Thursday evening, according to Televisa Deportes, and his transition will likely be eased by Mexico national team captain Andres Guardado, who has been at the Andalusian club since 2017.
