Rafinha seals Schalke switch
Monday, August 22, 2005
Article summary
FC Schalke 04 have secured the services of the highly-rated Brazilian Under-20 international defender Rafinha in a €5m transfer from Coritiba FC.
Article body
Problematic position
The 19-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with the UEFA Champions League hopefuls and coach Ralf Rangnick will hope he can solve their headaches at right-back. The position has proved problematic for Schalke in recent seasons, with midfielders Christian Poulsen and Hamit Altintop both being asked to play there.
Precocious talent
Rafinha scored three goals in 37 appearances for Coritiba, after making his debut aged 17, and impressed as Brazil reached the semi-final of the FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands this summer - a run that included a 2-1 victory over Germany. He joins compatriots Lincoln and Marcelo Bordon at the Arena AufSchalke.