Hertha return to Zürich to sign Rafael
Monday, January 7, 2008
Article summary
Hertha BSC Berlin have signed prolific Brazilian forward Rafael Araújo from coach Lucien Favre's former side FC Zürich for a fee believed to be in the region of €5m.
Article body
Hertha BSC Berlin have signed prolific Brazilian forward Rafael Araújo from FC Zürich for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of €5m.
Zürich old boys
The 22-year-old underwent a medical in the German capital today, to seal a move that reunites him with Hertha coach Lucien Favre and defender Steve von Bergen, who both made similar transfers last summer. Rafael scored 39 goals in 77 league games for the Swiss champions after joining from FC Chiasso in 2005 – including 12 in 15 this season – and also struck against Toulouse FC in the UEFA Cup in November.
Swedish recruit
Bolstering the Zürich squad, meanwhile, is Halmstads BK's Swedish international midfielder Dusan Djuric. The 23-year-old has accepted a contract until summer 2012, having registered 16 goals in 116 Allsvenskan appearances for Halmstad.