The ‘Berliner Zeitung’ on Sunday has reported on Hertha Berlin’s secret spying mission in Brazil, led by Michael Preetz.
Preetz was in Brazil to watch transfer target Jorge Valdiva in action for Palmeiras against Sao Paulo.
The midfielder is just what newly installed Hertha coach Lucien Favre is looking for. He is young (23), technically sound, and with room for development.
Added to that, Favre knows the Chilean international from his time managing in Switzerland. Valdiva played in 2004/2005 for Servette, while Favre was coach of FC Zurich and followed the development of the youngster.
When, in 2005, Servette went into receivership, Valdiva returned to South America and played at Colo Colo until 2006, when he joined Palmeiras, where he has become a key player for the Brazilians.
Valdiva will get the chance to meet two potential future team-mates on 1st July when his Chile side meets Brazil in the Copa America.
Hertha Berlin’s Gilberto and Mineiro will line up against him.
One player Lucien Favre will not be bringing to Berlin is Gökhan Inler. His star player from Zurich, who he wished to bring with him, will be joining Udinese in Serie A.
Goal.com - Germany - Hertha Berlin Tracking Chilean Jorge Valdiva