Mexico defender Jorge Sánchez to leave Ajax to secure Champions League return with Porto

After several weeks of speculation, El Tri full-back Jorge Sánchez has finally secured a move from Ajax to Porto, who have signed several Mexican players in recent years, including Héctor Herrera, Jesús Manuel Corona and Diego Reyes. The transfer will see the defender return to the Champions League after the Dutch side could only qualify for the 2023-24 Europa League following their third-place finish in the Netherlands last season.

How much will Porto pay for Sánchez?

According to Italian journalist and transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano, the former Club América man will initially move to Portugal on loan although the deal includes an option to buy for €4 million ($4.33 million), which “could become mandatory under certain conditions”.

The 25-year-old has been a man in demand this summer, with Guadalajara in his homeland and Brazilian side Botafogo both hoping to snap him up. However, a switch to Porto ultimately proved more appealing, with the prospect of once again playing in the Champions League no doubt a key factor.

Sánchez is still in training with Ajax but is expected to fly to Portugal in the coming hours to complete his medical and officially put pen to paper. The Primeira Liga has already been underway for a couple of weeks, with Porto one of three clubs to have won their opening two league matches. After finishing as runners-up last season, the two-time European champions qualified directly for the group stage of this year’s Champions League, which begins in September.

Ajax disappoint in Sánchez’s single season in Amsterdam

In his single season in Amsterdam, the right-back made a total of 26 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions, playing five games in Europe’s elite club competition. He finished the season out of the starting line-up, however, with Ajax failing to defend the title they had won three years running.