Saints sign Argentinian midfielder
Southampton have signed Argentinian midfielder Marcelo Sarmiento on a one-year loan from Club Atletico Racing de Cordoba.
Saints boss George Burley revealed he spotted the 26-year-old playmaker before his own arrival at St Mary’s, while in South America in November 2005.
“I have often been invited out to Argentina but had never had the chance to go so while I was out of football I decided to go,” Burley told the club’s official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk.
“I must have watched a dozen games, first team and reserves, and it was a very good standard. I knew I would never be able to get some of the players I saw but I made a note of others.
“I watched Marcelo playing on loan for Argentinos Junior against River Plate, who are a top side, and it was a very competitive game.
“I did not know anything about Marcelo before then but he stood out. His ability on the ball and his passing were top class.”
Burley explained that Sarmiento’s dual nationality, due to his possession of an Italian passport, helped the club overcome a number of problems associated with signing South American players.
“I tried to find out a bit about him and discovered he was on loan and had an Italian passport, which means he does not need a work permit,” he said.
“I watched a couple more games on DVD and he is my type of player. I have always had a playmaker in my team and he fills that role.
“Sometimes as a manager you have got to back your own judgement and it was nice to go somewhere and for a player to really stick out. Some midfielders can be negative but he is very positive,” he added.
“I hope he will be a great acquisition and one for the Saints fans to enjoy. He is reaching the peak of his career and I am very pleased to have brought him here.”
