“We wanted to add more speed and strength to our attacking options, and John clearly fits that profile. He’s an Ecuadorian international, a very dynamic player with excellent acceleration and movement. Thanks to his versatility, he can play on both wings as a classic winger or a number ten, and given his characteristics, he could even be an option as a wing-back in our system,” says acting sporting director Tomáš Sivok.
From a young age, John showed his talent in the youth teams of CD Clan Juvenil and Panamá S.C. In September 2020, he made a major move from his hometown of Guayaquil to Curitiba, Brazil, to continue his development at Athletico Paranaense. By then, he had already featured at the U17 World Cup, where he played for example alongside centre-back Piero Hincapié. Ecuador reached the round of 16 but were eliminated by Italy.
He made his debut in Brazil’s top league in June 2022 under legendary coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who brought him on for the final minutes of a win against Red Bull Bragantino. Afterwards, Mercado went on loan to second-tier side Centro Sportivo Alagoano before making a move to Europe in January 2023.
He followed the well-trodden path from Brazil to Portugal, joining UD Vilafranquense. However, after just half a season, the club dissolved and split into two separate entities. Mercado became part of the newly formed AVS squad, which inherited Vilafranquense’s second-division license and relocated to Vila das Aves, near Porto.
AVS enjoyed a successful first season in club history, finishing third in the table and qualifying for the promotion play-off to the top flight. They beat Portimonense 2-1 away in the first leg, and in the second leg, Mercado scored in the 52nd minute to give his team the lead, which they defended, securing a historic promotion.
In his Liga Portugal debut, John picked up where he left off in the play-off, scoring a header to earn AVS a 1-1 draw. His strong performances earned him a call-up to the Ecuador senior national team in September 2024. In World Cup qualifying, he made his debut against Brazil and then started alongside his new Sparta teammate Angelo Preciado in a match against Peru.
Last season, Mercado played in 36 competitive matches, scoring four goals and providing four assists – two of which came in the crucial playoff that ensured AVS would remain in the top division.
John, welcome to Letná! We hope you’ll enjoy your time with us.
