Vučinić joins forces with Roma
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Article summary
AS Roma have strengthened their attacking options by signing the 22-year-old Serbia striker Mirko Vučinić in an initial €3.3m transfer from relegated US Lecce.
Article body
UEFA Champions League contenders AS Roma have strengthened their attacking options by signing Montenegrin international Mirko Vučinić from relegated US Lecce for an initial €3.3m.
Final details
The Giallorossi will pay a further €7.5m for the 22-year-old forward next summer should they decide to commit to a permanent transfer, with Vučinić then receiving a contract until 2011. "We have finalised the last details of the deal - Vučinić will play for Roma," said Lecce sporting director Guido Angelozzi. In addition, the capital club have taken Brazilian defender Rodrigo Defendi on loan from Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Prospect
Vučinić, who joined Lecce in 2000, is considered one of Italian football's brightest talents. He made his Serie A debut, ironically against Roma, in 2001 when he was 18 and has scored 29 goals in 74 games over the last three seasons. He should be eligible for Roma's UEFA Champions League group-stage opener against FC Shakhtar Donetsk on 12 September. The 20-year-old Rodrigo, meanwhile, was loaned to Roma's domestic rivals Udinese Calcio last term, playing four matches.
Defensive recruit
The Stadio Olimpico will also be home to the talent of Costa Rica defender Gilberto Martínez, with the 26-year-old coming in on loan from Serie B outfit Brescia Calcio. Roma will have the possibility of a more secure arrangement for Martínez, who has played 132 matches for Brescia spanning four campaigns, next summer.
