Emelec Player Ayrton Preciado Leaves for Santos Laguna

Emelec player Ayrton Preciado has left the team to join Mexico's Santos Laguna, for a reported sum of $8 million. The 24-year-old midfielder from Esmeraldas is matured as a footballer and is excited about the opportunity.

The transfer fee was shared by the Mexican press and it meets the economic expectations of Emelec's board, which were also expecting a similar fee for Brayan Angulo.

"Welcome to the champions' team!" expressed the Mexican club on their social media platforms, after the transfer was made public alongside Emelec.

Preciado had mentioned after a game against Técnico Universitario, in which he contributed with a goal for the 3-0 win, that his move to Santos was almost finalized. "It was a good proposal. I liked Mexican football, it's very important to me as it would allow me to take the leap I need to play in Europe.

Preciado recognized being "happy for the opportunity" that is presented to him, although he also stated he felt "sad" for leaving the club with which he won the national championship in 2017.

"Emelec opened the doors for me and helped me mature as a footballer. My teammates supported me. Their support was fundamental and meant a lot to me. I will miss them a lot. I hope to someday wear this shirt again," he said.

The former Deportivo Quito and Aucas player also revealed that he had offers from the Middle East and the MLS. "But on a football level, it wasn't the best option for me. I consider myself a young player with a future ahead of me, and going to a competitive league like the Mexican one will attract more attention. I want to reach European football," he said.

Preciado highlighted his time at Emelec, where he arrived last year from Aucas. "It's the best thing I have experienced. I came from relegation and the club (Emelec) opened the doors for me. I became a champion and top scorer," he said.

Preciado's transfer adds to the successful transfers made in recent years by Nassib Neme, since 2009, when he returned to the club's leadership. (D)

National Team Contribution

"It's my goal," said Ayrton Preciado about becoming a regular player in the national team.

Aiming for the Copa América

"The Copa América (Brazil 2019) is a great chance for me to showcase myself at the national level. I am more mature now. There are great players here and we can make a better impression," added Preciado after his transfer to Mexico was made official. (D)

27 goals with Emelec

Preciado scored a total of 27 goals in all the tournaments he played (national and Copa Libertadores) between 2017 and this year. In total, he played 70 games with the team.

"It's a great joy (Preciado's transfer). Many young players will be leaving (abroad). They work with humility and know how to listen"
Esteban Dreer, Emelec goalkeeper