Atletico Madrid recall Fran Merida from Sporting Braga

The Vicente Calderon club have decided to give the Spanish midfielder another opportunity after he failed to convince coach Leonardo Jardim while at the Portuguese side

31 Jan 2012 23:43:00

By Luis Mira

More On :  Atlético de Madrid, Braga, Granada, São Paulo, Henrique, Fran Mérida
Fran Merida - Sporting Braga
Fran Merida - Sporting Braga
Atletico Madrid have announced they have recalled Fran Merida from his loan spell at Sporting Braga.
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Merida failed to make his mark at Braga, making just eight competitive appearances for the Europa League runners-up during his six months at the club.

The Spain Under-21 international, who Atletico signed from Arsenal in 2010, is cup-tied for the Europa League after playing for Braga against NK Maribor and Birmingham earlier in the season.

He adds some much-needed depth to coach Diego Simeone's squad, which counts just 23 players.

Meanwhile, Granada have confirmed they have signed Sao Paulo striker Henrique on a six-month deal, with option to buy the 20-year-old at the end of the campaign.

The highly-rated youngster, who was voted Under-20 2011 World Cup player of the tournament, was closed to joining QPR earlier in the month.

However, the Football Association declined to give Henrique a work permit, stating it would only ratify the move if it was on a permanent basis.

With the January window coming to a close on Tuesday, Goal.com is your address for all the latest activity on the transfer market. Stay up to date with what's happening in all the big leagues in our all-day LIVE! for the climax of the transfer window, and read up on what else we have to offer here!

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