US Lecce, the Serie A club known for its astute player recruitment, is reportedly finalising a deal to bring promising young defender Matias Perez to Italy. The 20-year-old right-back is set to join from Chilean side Curicó Unido for a reported fee of approximately €500,000. This transfer aligns perfectly with Lecce`s established strategy of identifying and developing burgeoning talent, often from less conventional markets.
Perez, who celebrated his 20th birthday in April, has already made a name for himself in his native Chile, particularly within the national youth setup. He is a regular fixture in the Chile Under-20 squad, suggesting a level of potential recognized beyond his club appearances. Domestically, Perez is a product of the Curicó Unido youth academy and was integrated into their senior squad at the start of 2024. Despite his young age, he has already accumulated 17 appearances in Chile`s Liga de Ascenso, gaining valuable senior experience before making the leap to European football.
The acquisition of Matias Perez is characteristic of Lecce under the guidance of their Director of Sport, Pantaleo Corvino. Corvino possesses a widely acknowledged reputation for having an exceptional eye for talent, particularly young players who might be overlooked by larger clubs. His approach involves scouting individuals with significant potential, providing them with opportunities on a Serie A stage, and often facilitating their eventual move to higher-profile teams for substantial profit. This model has been a cornerstone of Lecce`s sustainability and competitiveness in Italy`s top flight.
Perez is therefore seen not just as a simple reinforcement, but as potentially the latest name on a list of players launched into prominence via the Stadio Via del Mare. The transition from the Chilean second division to the tactical and physical demands of Italian Serie A will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for the young defender. However, moving to a club with a proven track record of nurturing young players like Lecce could provide the ideal environment for his development.
While the headline might not scream `superstar signing`, for those familiar with Lecce`s methods, a €500,000 investment in a Chilean U20 international right-back represents a calculated, potentially highly rewarding, piece of business. Supporters and observers alike will be keen to follow Perez`s progress and see if he can successfully adapt to Italian football and fulfil the potential that Lecce`s scouting network clearly believes he possesses.
