MEXICO CITY, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Mexican giants America have announced the signing of Chilean midfielder Diego Valdes from Liga MX rivals Santos Laguna.

The 27-year-old is the first addition to America's squad since their elimination from the Liga MX Apertura tournament in November.

He is expected to be available for the start of the Liga MX Clausura competition in the first week of January.

"Diego Valdes will reinforce America's squad for the 2022 Clausura. Welcome Diego," the club said in a tweet on Wednesday. Details of the contract were not disclosed.

Valdes made 101 appearances for Santos Laguna and scored 21 goals after joining the club from Morelia in 2018.

He has been capped 19 times for Chile's national team in a professional career that began at Santiago club Audax Italiano in 2014.