Rajković swaps Chelsea for Twente
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Article summary
FC Twente have brought in Serbia defender Slobodan Rajković on a one-year loan from Chelsea FC as they target a first-ever UEFA Champions League campaign.
Article top media content
Article body
FC Twente have brought in Serbian international defender Slobodan Rajković on a one-year loan from Chelsea FC as the Dutch club bid to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
'Several positions'
The 19-year-old has signed for the Eredivisie side pending a successful medical and coach Steve McClaren pronounced himself happy with the new addition. "I am pleased we have been able to add a young player with his qualities to our squad," the former England manager said. "He can play in several positions in defence."
Loan spells
Despite being under contract at Chelsea since 2005, Rajković has never played for the Londoners, spending two seasons on loan at OFK Beograd before making 13 top-flight appearances for Twente's league rivals PSV Eindhoven in 2007/08. He also collected his first two senior international caps earlier this year. "Last season I saw him play with PSV against [ACF] Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup," McClaren said. "When the possibility came to sign him, we acted immediately. A lot of clubs, especially in Britain, were asking for his signature." Twente, who finished in fourth place last term, will play in the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after winning the Dutch play-off final against AFC Ajax.
