The Diego Lainez transfer is complete. And he’s headed to Spain.
The exciting 18-year-old winger made the move from Club América to Real Betis on Thursday. The LaLiga club will pay América a reported $16 million for Lainez’s services.
Lainez had been linked with a move to Ajax for $12.6 million to play in the Eredivisie with fellow Mexico internationals Chucky Lozano and Èrick Gutierrez. Instead he’ll join veteran Andrés Guardado, who has 151 caps for El Tri. Guardado is Real Betis’ vice captain and could be vital to helping Lainez adapt to both Spain and LaLiga.
Bienvenido a @realbetis @DiegoLainez10, donde somos más que un club, somos una familia.
— Andrés Guardado (@AGuardado18) January 10, 2019
Real Betis is currently sixth in LaLiga (one spot behind Real Madrid) and still alive in the Europa League knockout rounds.
The Diego Lainez transfer was first confirmed by Club América with this statement.
Press Release
Transfer of Diego Lainez pic.twitter.com/3AxtqNFNBp— Club América (@ClubAmerica_EN) January 10, 2019
This was quickly followed by an announcement from Real Betis. The #Lainez2024 is a reference to the length of time Lainez's contract is for.
OFFICIAL | #RealBetis and @ClubAmerica agree for the transfer of Diego Lainez
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) January 10, 2019
Here’s the teenager talking about his move.
¡Bienvenido a la familia bética, @DiegoLainez10! #Lainez2024 pic.twitter.com/ykKyWnbbkm
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis) January 10, 2019
At the age of 18, Lainez has already made two appearances for the Mexico national team, one that ended in a memorable moment with Matt Miazga, perhaps the start of a great rivalry. Lainez had five goals and one assist in 18 appearances this past fall, helping América win the Apertura 2018 championship.
Gracias @DiegoLainez10 por tu esfuerzo y dedicación, defendiste nuestros colores desde la cuna hasta que levantaste la 13
Ahora toca desplegar tus alas en Europa‼Te deseamos lo mejor en @RealBetis #S13MPREÁGUILAS pic.twitter.com/lpd3t5wl0m
— Club América (@ClubAmerica) January 10, 2019
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