Benfica land Barça Brazilian
Tuesday, January 7, 2003
Article summary
SL Benfica coach José Antonio Camacho has made FC Barcelona forward Geovanni his first signing.
Article body
Loan star
The Portuguese 1. Liga side have obtained the player's services for the rest of the season after agreeing to pay 65 per cent of his wages during that period. Geovanni, who is contracted to Barcelona until 2006, becomes the first acquisition of Benfica's recently-appointed Spanish coach José Antonio Camacho.
Limited appearances
The 21-year-old arrived at Camp Nou in a €19.6m transfer from Brazilian side Cruzeiro EC in the summer of 2001. However, he has failed to start a league game under coach Louis van Gaal this season, making just five substitute appearances.
Title chance
Geovanni joins a Benfica team who lie second in the Portuguese title race, nine points behind leaders FC Porto. He could make his debut in Saturday's league match at Vitória Guimarães.