Who is Kevin Álvarez, Club América’s new signing from Pachuca?

América have confirmed the arrival of defender Álvarez from fellow Liga MX side Pachuca, with the Mexico international to wear the No. 5 shirt.

Pachuca head coach Guillermo Almada had already confirmed that a deal was in place to sell right-back Kevin Álvarez to Club América, but it wasn’t until Tuesday that Las Águilas announced the signing of the Mexico international.

A Liga MX winner with Pachuca

Álvarez joins América after establishing himself as a key figure in Pachuca’s side since making his debut for Los Tuzos in 2019. In the Liga MX Apertura 2022 tournament, the 24-year-old helped the club to their seventh Mexican league title.

Went to World Cup with Mexico

The defender has 13 caps for Mexico, having made his debut for El Tri in a friendly against Nigeria in 2021. He was included in Gerardo Martino’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, appearing against Argentina and Nigeria as the Mexicans suffered a group-stage exit.

Álvarez has continued to be called up to the Mexico squad since Diego Cocca replaced Martino as national-team boss in February, featuring in this month’s friendlies against Guatemala and Cameroon. In the Mexico’s 2-2 draw with the Cameroonians, he scored his first international goal.

Faces competition for right-back spot

Álvarez is set to compete for América’s right-back berth with Luis Fuentes, Miguel Layún and Emilio Lara. After Jorge Sánchez’s departure from the 13-time Mexican champions in August 2022, Fuentes, Layún and Emilio Lara have all occupied the position, but none has fully convinced.

Álvarez is to take the No. 5 shirt at América, after the jersey was left vacant due to the sale of midfielder Pedro Aquino to Santos Laguna.