Villarreal have signed Franco Acosta from Centro Atletico Fenix on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
The 18-year-old, who has already appeared for Uruguay's Under-20 side, is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in South American football.
The Yellow Submarine confirmed on their website that they have won the race for the teenager, who will initially start with Villarreal's B side with a view to later moving into the first team.
Acosta, who can play in a number of positions in attack, departs Centro Atletico Fenix having made 20 first-team appearances.
It is understood that the youngster will be presented to the media later this week.