OFFICIAL: Sergio Sánchez Signs 4-year Deal

By: Anthony | July 23rd, 2009

It was officially announced today on the club website that we had signed Spanish U-21 International Sergio Sánchez to a four year deal with a release clause of €25 million for an undisclosed fee.

It’s been clear that we’ve been in the market for a right back after chasing Jesús Gámez for most of the summer and although the deal seems to be done and dusted, Lolo and Duda who were supposed to be heading the other way in an exchange of players, couldn’t agree to terms so the deal fell through. Not to worry though as we have the best sporting director out there in Monchi who clearly had a plan B lined up because just days after Málaga President Fernando Sanz announced that the deal probably wasn’t going to happen, Del Nido and co. are announcing the arrival of Sánchez.

Our right back situation has been a bit of a problem since Alves left before the beginning of last season with Konko and Mosquera failing to live up to his name and the latter now having been transfered back to Mexico. Adriano did a solid job as a stand-in right back but he’s obviously a left footer so it’s not an ideal situation for either him or the team. The arrival of Sánchez probably does signal very limited playing time for Konko who failed to impress during his first season in Nervión last year. In all fairness to him though he did spend a lengthy time on the sidelines due to injury so maybe he will come good this year, we’ll just have to wait and see about that one.

It’s always good when your team buys an aspiring player in the transfer market like we have done with Sánchez, but it’s even better when that player is ecstatic about playing for your team.

“After such a hectic summer in the transfer market, I am finally at where I always wanted to be. It is a pleasure to already be a player of Sevilla FC. For me, the opportunity to enjoy the Champions League with Sevilla is the real prize. The staff and the squad of the club did an excellent job last season and they were rewarded with a third-place finish. I will arrive with a lot of motivation and excitement and I’m ready to help the club reach their objectives, which is ofcourse to win La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. This team have the aspirations to achieve everything.”

Clearly the boy wants to play for us and that’s definitely an encouraging sign. He also said he relishes the chance to link up with his Spanish teammate Diego Capel who he just had the opportunity to play with in the U-21 Championships.

Other Transfer News
In the same press conference where Sergio Sánchez was announced, Del Nido also took the time to address a couple other matters which have been floating around the papers.

Just to clarify things, Del Nido said that Luis Fabiano was never for sale and his comments yesterday about being happy in Sevilla and continuing for us are comforting for all the supporters and club to hear. He went on to say that he hopes Luis can take his Confederations Cup form and stay injury free throughout the upcoming season to show the world why he’s Brazil’s number 9.

Del Nido also said that all no one should expect any new signings in this window. He did go on to mention that that another player would arrive only if Jiménez required it for our squad. With Koné, Kanouté, Zokora and Romaric out after Christmas due to the African Cup of Nations we’re going to be a bit short up front and in the centre of the park, but then again, we do have a larger squad than needed. This could set the stage for players like Lolo and Chevantón to shine but it really begs the question about whether these players are good enough for a top four team. We’ll find out in about 5-6 months but personally I don’t think so.

I’m happy we sorted out our right back situation which was probably the most important but I still think there’s a few holes in the squad which in turn leave a massive gap between us and teams like Barça and Real.