He has one foot inside Manchester United, but less than three years ago, Pachuca's coaching staff were questioning whether Hirving Lozano could make it in the professional game.
In Mexico, they're convinced it's a done deal. Chucky Lozano will join United after the Rio Olympics. The midfielder's father-in-law, Lozano's daughter was born two years ago when he was 18 years of age, has been in contact with family in England in recent days.
A family source says they've been seeking information on how to open a bank account in Manchester.
"My daughter and I will be moving there," the father-in-law told family members in London. And on the United move? "Yes. It's all done, its just missing some details and after the Olympics it becomes official."
Lozano is Mexican football's bright new thing. Only two years ago he was being handed a first team debut by then Pachuca coach Gabriel Caballero. A year ago he made his national team debut. And now, he's packing his bags for Manchester.
"He just couldn't reach the targets we set him," recalls Hans Westerhoff, Pachuca's U17 coach. "The talent was there. As was the energy. But he was so undisciplined.
"During puberty he was very rebellious. Nothing like he is now at 20. But back then, it was a difficult situation."
Indeed, Chucky's indiscretions reached the point where Westerhoff was forced into drastic action. The midfielder was a first-choice for his team and had inspired them to the 2013 U17 Cup final. But Westerhoff and his staff had had enough.
"We dropped him for final. It was a difficult decision. Not only for him, but also the team. I said to him, 'you know your goals and you haven't met them. We gave you two warnings. The third means you'll be on the bench'.
"It was a Cup final. It was difficult for everyone. But the decision helped his development."
That following season, Caballero gave Lozano his senior Pachuca debut. Westerhoff's tough love had had its effect.
"What I came across was a guy who had a cheerful personality, character, but also serious about working," says Caballero. "He is not as extroverted as others, but he is a guy who listens, who wants to learn, who wants to establish himself, and that's what I found impressive.
"I have no doubt that his career is in Europe."
United were first in contact with Pachuca at the turn of the year, with negotiations intensifying last month. Aware of interest arriving from the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, United sought to lock a deal down before the Copa America.
Jesus Martinez, the Pachuca president, revealed talks had stepped up last month. United had been in contact and had posted a scout from England to run his eye over their young star.
"He is a man, a specialist, who has come here to watch our players," said Martinez, "but especially Chucky.
"He has seen several of our games.
"We'd love it if Chucky ended up going to Manchester United or a club like Porto."
Andres Fassi, Martinez's No2 at Pachuca, goes further, likening Lozano to former United star Javier Hernandez and happily talking up the prospect of him matching the Bayer Leverkusen striker's impact.
"Chicharito is one of the best ambassadors that Mexico has had in its history and it would be an honor for us if he (Lozano) can do the same," enthuses Fassi.
"An example is Hector Herrera, who right now is a great ambassador for us in Portugal. This is someone who has emerged from the Los Tuzos system. Our goal is to produce ambassadors of Mexican soccer. Hirving Lozano is a player who can play in many leagues in Europe. And in such a competitive league (Premier League) like that, he can adapt."
Caballero agrees.
"European football will improve him in many ways, physically and tactically. It happened to Hector Herrera (now with Porto), who maybe when he first arrived was not ready, but quickly adapted.
"Any player who leaves (Mexico) for Europe changes a lot professionally. It will be good for his future. Undoubtedly he will improve."
Caballero also insists Lozano's game is ideal for the pace of the Premier League.
"He's a fast player, brave, daring, not shrinking, he is dynamic, he has everything a player needs to succeed. But when they are young, you also have to take them slowly, knowing when to withdraw them when necessary."
Off the pitch, Caballero is confident Lozano has the network behind him to handle the transition to the Premier League and the hype around Manchester United.
"When a player does well, the environment is important, but he has been well guided by Pachuca and by the people around him; so, in that sense I think Chucky is in a good situation."
Another big fan of Chucky is Juan Carlos Osorio, Mexico's national team boss. Having worked for four years in England at Manchester City, Osorio knows what is waiting for Lozano after Rio - and is convinced if the move happens, United will be landing one of Mexico's great, young prospects.
"We're definitely witnessing the development of an extraordinary attacking talent, with great potential," says Osorio. "Little by little he will continue to improve - and that can only be good for Mexico."
And, perhaps, for Manchester United.
INJURY TIME
So what about the nickname? Chucky.
As you may've guessed, it is in reference to the horror movie character of the 1980s. Friends dubbed Hirving, 'Chucky', because as a kid, he loved nothing better than scaring his friends late at night while they slept!
