Escudero embarks on Villarreal mission
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Article summary
Villarreal CF have signed Argentinian midfielder Damián Escudero from CA Vélez Sársfield for an undisclosed fee with Leandro Somoza moving the opposite way.
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Five-year contract
The 21-year-old Escudero, who has signed a five-year contract, can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder. He made 70 league appearances and scored 12 goals for Vélez Sársfield after making his debut at the age of 18. Known as 'El Pichi', Escudero was part of the Argentina team that won the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and is the fifth player to arrive at Villarreal this summer, following Edmílson, Joseba Llorente, Robert Flores and Jozy Altidore.
Further deals
Having spent last season on loan at Real Betis Balompié, Somoza will return to Vélez, although Villarreal have opted to retain 80 per cent of the player's economic rights. Another on his way out of the club is attacker Jonathan Pereira who has joined Real Racing Club Santander on loan for the season. Villarreal will enter the UEFA Champions League group stage in September following their second-placed finish last term.