Real sign 'La Bestia' Baptista

[Toby]

Real Madrid have agreed a €20 million (£13.8 million) fee, rising to €24.5 million for Sevilla striker Julio Baptista.

Sevilla confirmed they had accepted an offer for the Brazilian ace, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

Baptista was interested in a move to the Premiership giants, but preferred to remain in Spain for the additional year required to secure an EU passport.

Sevilla could have been forced to accept a reduced offer for the 23-year-old's services next summer and have decided to cash in on their prized asset.

"The only logical decision was to sell him," club president Jose Maria del Nido told the club's official website.
"Julio's representatives made it clear the player wanted to leave and they explained the new Fifa regulations coming into force after July 1, 2006 that would affect the relations between clubs and players.

"So it was the obvious decision to let him go."

Baptista, who is expected to sign a five-year deal at El Santiago Bernabeu, will be unveiled by Real on Monday providing he passes a routine medical.

[lucho]

what for?

[el_blanco]

great news! and we've signed robinho already, right? there're 4 strikers then it's more difficult for owen T.T i sympathize with him

[miss N.]

oh he is good! but I thought he was staying in Sevilla. never mind. I want Owen to leave

[Kantee]

yes, i know he's good, but why madrid bought him when they already have 4 world class strikers. Bah, its not like 3 of them are going to be injured.

[lucho]

admin said:

yes, i know he's good, but why madrid bought him when they already have 4 world class strikers. Bah, its not like 3 of them are going to be injured.

Because Real always wants more and more and more... strange team

[el_blanco]

admin said:

yes, i know he's good, but why madrid bought him when they already have 4 world class strikers. Bah, its not like 3 of them are going to be injured.

not surprising. Realmadrid always brings some new players and leaves them on the bench, just like Owen case...

[Luna!]

lucho said:

Because Real always wants more and more and more... strange team

, gotta admit, its true

[Toby]

lucho

Look, Baptista isn't only a striker, he can also play in midfield (both offensive and defensive) ... physically a real beast, good at heading, excellent (shot) technique .... IMO one of the best signings of the last years, together with Robinho.