Perugia on shopping spree
Friday, July 11, 2003
Article summary
European hopefuls AC Perugia have signed English striker Jay Bothroyd and Moroccan defender Jamal Alioui.
Article body
Impressive trial
The 21-year-old Bothroyd was available on a free transfer from Coventry City FC and has signed a three-year contract after a successful trial period. For Bothroyd, the move represents a huge leap from the English first division into the Italian élite, although he did have top-flight experience with Coventry.
Surplus to requirements
A former Under-21 international, Bothroyd joined the Midlands side for €1.4m from Arsenal FC in July 2000, but Coventry were relegated within 12 months of his arrival. He scored eleven goals last term as Coventry finished 20th in the first division, before being told he was surplus to requirements.
Alioui deal
Perugia, who were tenth in Serie A last season, have also landed Alioui from French champions Olympique Lyonnais on a four-year contract. The club also hope to finalise a deal to bring Sasa Bjelanovic from Como Calcio.
