Odonkor steps into Joaquín's shoes
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Article summary
Real Betis Balompié have moved quickly to fill the void left by Joaquín Sánchez's departure, making a €6m move for BV Borussia Dortmund's David Odonkor.
Article body
Germany winger David Odonkor has made a surprise €6m move to Real Betis Balompié from BV Borussia Dortmund.
World Cup rise
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at the Andalusian club and comes to Seville as a direct replacement for Joaquín Sánchez, who sealed a €24m switch to Valencia CF on Thursday. A shock inclusion in Jürgen Klinsmann's squad for the FIFA World Cup, the lightning-fast Odonkor's stock rose considerably during the tournament. Able to play as an out-and-out striker as well as on the flanks, he made 75 Bundesliga appearances in six seasons at the Westfalenstadion, more than half as a substitute.
In and out
Betis have further reinforced their forward line by landing Rafael Sobis from Brazilian club SC Internacional. The 21-year-old, who scored 28 goals in 80 top-flight games in Brazil, had been expected to join Real Racing Club Santander. Another arrival on the green-and-white side of Seville could be AC Milan's Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel, with the 29-year-old said to be undergoing a medical with Betis. Making way for the newcomers is Oscar López, the 26-year-old former FC Barcelona full-back who is transferring to CG Tarragona on a season's loan.
