Lecce snap up Chile Under-20 talent Perez

LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 10: Supporters of Lecce in action during the Serie A TIM match between US Lecce and Hellas Verona FC – Serie A TIM at Stadio Via del Mare on March 10, 2024 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Lecce are reportedly on the verge of securing a promising new right-back from Chile, paying €500,000 for Matias Perez from Curicó Unido.

Multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia, Tuttomercatoweb and Sportitalia all confirm the deal is close to completion.

He only turned 20 in April and is a regular in the Chile Under-20 squad.

Perez latest name to be launched by Lecce

A product of the Curicó Unido youth academy, Perez was promoted to the senior squad in January 2024, already amassing 17 appearances in Liga de Ascenso.

Lecce and their director of sport Pantaleo Corvino are well known for their scouting network, able to identify impressive young talents who then are sold on for huge profits.

Perez could be the latest addition to that long list of names launched by Corvino at the Stadio Via del Mare.

Meanwhile, the Salentini already signed 17-year-old Milan striker Francesco Camarda on loan and hope to give him regular Serie A playing time.