Ferro Carril Oeste signs Dominican jewel, son of ex-MLB player

Argentine second-division club Ferro Carril Oeste has secured the signing of promising young Dominican forward Luis Gabriel Almonte Bautista. The 17-year-old talent, son of former Major League Baseball player Erick Almonte, is set to officially join the team in May 2027, coinciding with his 18th birthday.

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We believe Luis has a beautiful future.

Ferro Carril Oeste described the operation as "non-pecuniary," emphasizing their belief in Almonte's "extraordinary talent." Daniel Pandolfi, the club's vice president, stated during a press conference in Santo Domingo that the Argentine league could serve as a stepping stone for Almonte's potential stardom in Europe. The transfer also involves the Dominican club Delfines del Este, where Almonte currently plays.

Almonte, who also plays as an attacking midfielder, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, seeing it as a chance to demonstrate that Dominican football can "reach different borders" and that "dreams come true." He was part of the Dominican squad that competed in the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games held in Santo Domingo earlier this month. Almonte is committed to focusing on his game, drawing on advice from his parents and grandparents to practice diligently.

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We have seen in him an extraordinary, innate talent, and we believe the Argentine league will be a step towards his arrival to stardom in Europe.

Ferro Carril Oeste, a club with a 122-year history, currently leads Argentina's second division. The club achieved its greatest successes in the top flight during the 1980s, winning titles in 1982 and 1984 under coach Carlos Timoteo Griguol. The club also assured that Almonte's education will continue, with the club ensuring he completes his high school studies.

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I am going with the mission to play my best football, with the advice of my parents, of my grandparents to stay focused and practice all the time. I know it is a great opportunity and I want to take advantage of it.