Middlesbrough plump for Pogatetz
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Article summary
Middlesbrough FC have signed versatile Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz for €2.7m from Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Article body
Successful spells
The 22-year-old left-back has 15 international caps and was expected to return to the BayArena this summer after successful loan spells at FC Aarau, Grazer AK and FC Spartak Moskva, following his move to Leverkusen in 2001. Depending on appearances, the English club will pay up to €2.7m for his services.
Eye-catching displays
Pogatetz played in GAK's second-leg victory against eventual winners Liverpool FC in last season's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, then starred in two tight encounters with Middlesbrough in the UEFA Cup, where he caught the eye of manager Steve McClaren. He said: "Emanuel has impressive international and European experience for a lad of his age. But he is only 22 and can go on improving."
Undisclosed fee
The Austrian arrived at Spartak in March and played as recently as Saturday in the Russian Premier-Liga before Leverkusen finalised his switch to the English Premiership. He will link up with his new club on 18 July, subject to international clearance.
Departing duo
Meanwhile, Argentinian defender Diego Placente and Brazilian midfielder Róbson Ponte will also leave the BayArena this summer after refusing to accept new, less lucrative contracts with the UEFA Cup contenders.
