Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster revealed that the club has signed Argentine striker Javier Saviola on a free transfer from Barcelona. In an interview with Spanish radio, Schuster said, “He is young, can score goals and can give us a lot more. These are small details that are also good for us. The fans and the media reacted well when the news came out.” Saviola’s contract with the Catalans expired on June 30, enabling him to join Real for free. Earlier in the week, the Merengues coach announced the addition of a pair of center-backs: FC Porto’s Brazilian defender Pepe (for a whopping $40 million) and Borussia Dortmund’s Christoph Metzelder, who also arrived on a free transfer. Schuster said more signings would follow.
Across the country in Barcelona, President Joan Laporta on Wednesday insisted that Deco would not be going anywhere this summer despite reports linking him with a move to Newcastle. Earlier in the day, Barca club announced the capture of Real Zaragoza defender Gabriel Milito. The 26-year-old center-back is currently on international duty with Argentina, and will start in Wednesday’s semifinal against Mexico.
In England, Sven Goran Eriksson completed his first transfer as new Manchester City manager, signing Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi for nearly $18 million. Liverpool bought Yossi Benayoun from West Ham for around $10 million and is reportedly close to inking a deal with Ajax for 20-year-old Ryan Babel. West Ham, meanwhile, has signed Craig Bellamy from the Reds earlier in the week for $15 million. Chelsea on Monday secured Lyon’s Florent Malouda for $27 million, and is now reportedly after Sevilla’s Brazilian right back, Daniel Alves, for the same price.