Brentford confirm signing of Ecuador international Darwin Guagua with Mérida AD loan planned

Brentford have confirmed the signing of Ecuador international Darwin Guagua from Independiente del Valle. The 18-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with an option for a further season, and the club says he will initially be registered with Brentford B.

The plan is for Guagua to spend the 2026/27 campaign on loan at Mérida AD, which is subject to the granting of a work visa. Ben Jacobs brought word of it.

Brentford’s description of the move as a B-team addition suggests a staged introduction, with the loan intended to provide minutes while administrative steps are completed. The approach points to a development pathway before any potential first-team involvement.

Loan contingent on visa approval

While the transfer itself has been announced by the club, the proposed season-long stint at Mérida AD hinges on visa clearance. Should that process conclude as anticipated, Guagua’s immediate football next term will be away from west London, with the signing framed as a progression piece for the longer term.

No further details have been outlined beyond the contract length, initial B-team status and the loan plan being conditional on a work permit. The confirmation underlines Brentford’s continued focus on recruiting emerging talent and shaping individual routes through the club’s structure.