Valencia Heads to Mexico Following Ecuador’s Victory Against Argentina

Enner Valencia’s future has been decided just one day after he played a crucial role in Ecuador’s victory against Argentina, according to O Globo. The 35-year-old striker, who scored the winning penalty in the 1-0 match in Guayaquil, has ended his contract with Internacional and is set to join Pachuca in Mexico.

Internacional agreed to release him despite having a contract until 2026, mainly to reduce one of the team’s highest salaries, approximately two million euros per year. The transfer will not involve a fee, but Inter will retain 50 percent of his rights. Pachuca gains Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, with 47 goals in 100 appearances.

As the Mexican transfer window closes on Friday, the move will be completed quickly. Valencia joined Internacional in mid-2023 from Fenerbahce but found it difficult to maintain consistent performance. A new chapter in Liga MX is ahead of him.

His exit leaves behind memorable moments, including his calm penalty against Emiliano Martínez that shocked Argentina, and a key goal at the Monumental against River Plate in the 2023 Copa Libertadores round of 16, which led to penalties later won in Porto Alegre.