Cardetti makes Spanish move
Friday, July 18, 2003
Article summary
Transfer round-up: Real Valladolid have signed Argentinian striker Martín Cardetti on loan.
Article body
Spanish comeback
The 27-year-old lost his place at PSG during an injury-hit second half of the 2002/03 season, and returns to Spain where he played for UD Salamanca. "I will give it my best shot here," he promised.
Argentinian additions
Valladolid have secured two other Argentinians on one-year loans, with 30-year-old defender Pablo Paz and 25-year-old goalkeeper Catriel Orcellet arriving from CA Independiente and CA Nueva Chicago respectively.
Capital gain
Another forward going places is Croatian Antonio Franja, who has joined NK Zagreb from Turkish side Bursaspor. The 25-year-old, a championship winner with Zagreb in 2001, links up with other new arrivals Robert Prosinecki and Andre Mijatovic in the Croatian capital.
Latvian captain
Latvia's captain Vitalijs Astafjevs is also on the move, after agreeing a one-year deal with Austrian side VfB Admira Wacker Mödling. The 32-year-old defender was previously with Bristol Rovers FC in England.
Merson move
Another veteran, the 35-year-old former English international forward Paul Merson, has left Premiership new boys Portsmouth FC to sign for first-division club Walsall FC.
Recruitment drive
Meanwhile, promoted Leicester City FC have continued their recruitment drive with the addition of Blackburn Rovers FC's Craig Hignett. Like Merson, the 33-year-old Hignett was available for nothing and has penned a two-year contract.
Irish influence
North of the border in Scotland, Edinburgh side Hibernian FC have captured Northern Irish international defender Colin Murdoch in a two-year deal. Murdoch, 28, was previously with Preston North End FC.
Dinamo signing
Belgian goalkeeper Gregory Delwarte has travelled further to become an FC Dinamo Bucuresti player. The 25-year-old has inked a 12-month contract with the Romanian team after being released by R. AEC Mons.
Free transfer
Elsewhere, Germany's Hannover 96 have snapped up defender Thomas Schneider on a free transfer from VfB Stuttgart. The 30-year-old signs on for three seasons. Over in Denmark, Akademisk Boldklub is the destination of versatile forward Brian Gellert after the 25-year-old left relegated Køge BK.
