12 July 2007, by Tom Kundert & Marco Pereira

Porto snap up Mariano Gonzalez

Midfielder adds to Porto’s Argentinian contingent

After their blockbuster sale of Pepe to Real Madrid, FC Porto have delved straight back into the transfer market by acquiring Palermo attacking midfielder, Mariano Gonzalez.

The 26-year-old, who spent last season on loan to Inter Milan, has signed a season-long loan deal with the Dragons from the Sicilian club.

The Argentinian has not settled in Italy, playing only 24 matches, scoring one goal. Gonzalez is aiming to make a bigger impact in Portugal, especially in the company of fellow Argentines Lisandro Lopez, Lucho Gonzalez and Lucas Mareque.

“I’m looking forward to going to FC Porto, where I have my friend Lisandro, and this is very important for my adaptation,” said Gonzalez. “I think it’s very important to be able to play in the Champions League. At FC Porto I’ll have this chance and that is a big motivation for me.”

It is not known if Gonzalez is being brought in to pave the way for the possible departure of Ricardo Quaresma, who is being heavily linked with moves to both Spain and England. However, Porto might refrain from allowing that sale to happen after cashing in on Anderson and Pepe.


Related: Real Madrid pay 30 million euros for Porto’s Pepe