Adrian Pelayo is headed south of the border…

The 18-year-old Mexican soccer player and North Carolina FC defender is set to sign with Chivas, per ESPN sources.

The deal for Pelayo is almost complete, with paperwork to be finalized in the next few days.

Pelayo joins the Liga MX powerhouse from the USL Championship, playing with North Carolina FC since arriving as a free agent in 2023.

The defender previously formed part of the Portland Timbers academy, working with the MLS first team during training camp before the 2023 Major League Soccer season and the Timbers 2 MLS Next Pro team.

Internationally, Pelayo stands as a triple-nationality figure with eligibility to represent the United States, Argentina and Mexico. He has featured in both American and Mexican youth camps, but most recently represented El Tri in the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in November 2023.

The defender started the match against Germany, standing alongside Luis Navarrete, Javen Romero and Jose Suárez in the backline.

Pelayo will become the latest multiple-nationality figure to represent Chivas, following the footsteps of Mexican-American Cade Cowell.

The player will initially work with Chivas de Guadalajara‘s affiliate team C.D Tapatío in the Liga de Expansion before joining the senior team.