Real Zaragoza Make Oliveira Theirs

[Pat Murphy]

Real Zaragoza Make Oliveira Theirs

Real Zaragoza have caused a surprise by taking up their option to make Ricardo Oliveira's loan move from AC Milan a permanent one despite their relegation to the second division.

The Aragónese outfit were expected to be unable to to persuade the player to move to la Romareda full time, but a statement on the club's official website confirms that they have.

Oliveira became a popular figure last term for Zaragoza, but was unable to help the team avoid the drop and was expected to return to Milan and look for a new club.

Instead, Zaragoza have agreed to pay the €10m figure included in his contract after a board meeting in which president Eduardo Bandrés pledged to finance the purchase of players who would give the club more guarantees of promotion next season.

"Real Zaragoza have decided to exercise the purchase option that they have on Brazilian forward Ricardo Oliveira, who spent last season on loan with Aragónese team from Milan," the statement read.

"In doing so, Real Zaragoza has acquired the rights of the Brazilian for the four seasons. Oliveira was the top goalscorer for Real Zaragoza during the 2007-08 season managing to score 21 goals in the league, Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup."

Several sides, including Villarreal, Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla, were said to be mulling over a move, but the 28-year-old Brazilian has opted to remain loyal and stay with Zaragoza as they bid to make an immediate return to the top flight.

Oliveira moved to Europe in 2003 after a season with Santos in Brazil and spent just a year with Valencia before joining Real Betis, where he enjoyed two successful seasons.

In 2006 he was loaned to São Paulo after upsetting Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera and was threatened with a move to the Russian second division.

Upon his return to Spain he was sold to AC Milan, but was only able to net three league goals in 26 appearances and could not hold down a regular place in the Rossoneri side.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Goal.com - Real Zaragoza - Real Zaragoza Make Oliveira Theirs


No joke. It's official that Oliveira has signed for Zaragoza who are in the second division next season.

Something weird is going on. I think they probably know they can sell him on for more cash soon but players can't play for more than 2 clubs in a certain period unless a loan counts as being on one club.

[Pennywise]

They've probably given this man a very good contract, but I can't see him play in La Seguenda next season...

As you say, they'll may sell him for a good price in the summer. Barca and Madrid have done this in several years....buying back players for then selling them for a good price.

Btw very weird that Saragossa went down one divison. They've many good players and I reckon most of them will be sold. Pablo Aimar...this player is a sleeping diamond and could've been a good sign for example Barca.

[Robinho4Ever]

It's nice to see that there are commited players in the world

I hope he helps them to reach the 1st division again. Zaragoza is a good team that must be there ...

[Pennywise]

Cash is King.