Ze Castro makes Deportivo La Coruna switch

Centre-back seeking more playing time in La Liga

Deportivo La Coruna are on the verge of completing the signing of Portuguese defender Ze Castro on a season-long loan from fellow La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

The 25-year-old was in Galicia last night to undergo medical exams and conclude the formalities of a one-year deal, at the end of which Deportivo will have the option of signing the player permanently for the following four seasons.

Ze Castro moved to the Vicente Calderon in 2006 from Academica, but after making 20 leagues appearances during his first season in Spain, the defender played just eight matches in La Liga last year, and was open about his intention to move on this summer when questioned about his future earlier this week.

“I still have three years left on my deal with Atletico but I am not playing regularly,” he said on Monday. “I have received other offers but I want to play in Spain, the best league in the world.

“I hope that everything will be sorted out by the end of the week. My agent has been overseeing things and I know that he has been in contact with Deportivo. They are a great club, they are excellent on the international level.

“I need to play regular football and I believe it would be good for me.”

In good company

With the acceleration in proceedings over the last twenty-four hours, Ze Castro is expected to be able to join up with his new team-mates soon, as Depor, who finished 9th last term, begin their pre-season preparations for the 2008/09 campaign.

Several high profile Portuguese players have played at the Riazor Stadium in recent years, with experienced internationals Jorge Andrade and Pedro Pauleta heading a list which also includes former Benfica defender Helder Cristovao and current Porto reserve goalkeeper Nuno.


Related: Ze Castro PortuGOAL profile