Napoli snare Ghoulam from St-Étienne
Friday, January 31, 2014
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UEFA Europa League hopefuls SSC Napoli have snapped up Algeria defender Faouzi Ghoulam from AS Saint-Étienne on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
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UEFA Europa League contenders SSC Napoli have signed Algeria defender Faouzi Ghoulam from AS Saint-Étienne for an undisclosed fee.
The left-back, who turns 23 tomorrow, has agreed a deal with the Partenopei until 2018. He made 87 Ligue 1 appearances after rising through the ranks at St-Étienne, who also sold Kurt Zouma to Chelsea FC earlier today.
On the international stage, Ghoulam has represented Algeria four times having previously played for France at Under-21 level. He becomes Napoli's fourth acquisition this month following deals for midfielder Jorginho, defender Henrique and goalkeeper Mariano Andújar, the latter remaining on loan at Calcio Catania until the end of the season.
Rafael Benítez's side face Swansea City AFC in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, with the first leg in Wales on 20 February, but will be without 27-year-old Colombian defender Pablo Armero who has joined English side West Ham United FC until the end of the season.