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Sporting Braga to send Fran Merida back to Atletico Madrid - report
The former Arsenal starlet has been discarded by Leonardo Jardim's men for 'technical reasons', while the Rojiblancos are also set to make their loan deal for Pizzi permanent
28 Dec 2011 22:14:00
By Livio Caferoglu
For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here
On-loan Sporting Braga midfielder Fran Merida is set to return to Atletico Madrid in January after failing to convince coach Leonardo Jardim of his worth, according to reports.
The 21-year-old had originally joined the Primeira Liga outfit on a season-long loan from Atleti, but his spell appears to have come to an end after just seven appearances and one goal.
Sources close to Braga are believed to have informed AS of the news, which will come as a relief to Merida, who had stopped training with the first-team squad and did not have the faith of his boss Leonardo Jardim.
Merida, a product of Barcelona's much-famed La Masia youth academy, followed former team-mate Cesc Fabregas' footsteps, moving to Arsenal in 2005, but struggled to make an impact at the Emirates Stadium, before leaving for Atletico in 2010.
However, he could not attain regular playing time under Quique Sanchez Flores in the Spanish capital, and it remains to be seen whether newly appointed trainer Diego Simeone has identified him as part of his plans.
On the other hand, Atleti are ready to make a deal for Braga loanee Pizzi permanent, according to sources close to EFE.
The forward, 22, has shown bosses in the Spanish capital enough promise for them to fork out €15 million [£12.5m] to tie him down on a long-term basis, despite playing out just 160 minutes since his arrival.
On-loan Sporting Braga midfielder Fran Merida is set to return to Atletico Madrid in January after failing to convince coach Leonardo Jardim of his worth, according to reports.
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The 21-year-old had originally joined the Primeira Liga outfit on a season-long loan from Atleti, but his spell appears to have come to an end after just seven appearances and one goal.
Sources close to Braga are believed to have informed AS of the news, which will come as a relief to Merida, who had stopped training with the first-team squad and did not have the faith of his boss Leonardo Jardim.
Merida, a product of Barcelona's much-famed La Masia youth academy, followed former team-mate Cesc Fabregas' footsteps, moving to Arsenal in 2005, but struggled to make an impact at the Emirates Stadium, before leaving for Atletico in 2010.
However, he could not attain regular playing time under Quique Sanchez Flores in the Spanish capital, and it remains to be seen whether newly appointed trainer Diego Simeone has identified him as part of his plans.
On the other hand, Atleti are ready to make a deal for Braga loanee Pizzi permanent, according to sources close to EFE.
The forward, 22, has shown bosses in the Spanish capital enough promise for them to fork out €15 million [£12.5m] to tie him down on a long-term basis, despite playing out just 160 minutes since his arrival.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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