Sissoko & Stendardo Now, Mellberg In July, Tiago Still Retarded

By: roberto | January 28th, 2008

All for one, and one for alllllllllll!!!!! Reports out of Italy are confirming the signing the Momo Sissoko and Olef Mellberg this morning. Momo has apparently signed a contract for four and half seasons that will see him at Juventus until June of 2012. Liverpool will be given 11 million euros up front, while another 2 million euros in cash will be forked over by the Old Lady after the Mali international completes an unknown number of appearances. The 23 year-old will reportedly recieve 2.5 million a season. On our defensive front, Juventus have acquired ~~two~~ one helping hand as Lazio’s Stendardo will join Juventus effective immediately until he makes way for Aston Villa’s Olof Mellberg come July.

“I am very happy with this agreement,” a statement from Mellberg reads.

“This experience in Italy will be an important one at a prestigious club and in one of the biggest Leagues in the world.

“Now I must end the season in the best possible way with Aston Villa, but I really can’t wait to join Juventus and give my best in the black and white shirt.”

Not quite as soon as I had hoped for but nonetheless, Mellberg does represent a vital piece of the puzzle that Juventus desperately needed to fill if they plan on any Champions League success next season. Olof (whos parents apparently couldn’t have picked a more Swedish name even if they’d tried), is a solid centre back with shit loads of club and country experience that can only improve our defensive efforts. No word yet on how much we’ll be paying him per season but Secco can relax for now as this transfer cost us nothing.

“I’m happy to have this opportunity and I think this will also make my relatives happy,” Stendardo grinned after completing his move.“To play for a club like this - one of the most glorious in the world - is a cause for pride. Over the next five months I will do my best to give the team a hand.”

Stendardo, coming in on loan from Lazio until of this season, is said to have a 6.5 million euro price tag on him that Juve will have to consider once his short spell in black and white is up (a price tag that will no doubt increase if he finds success with us this term). The 26 year-old will be tested early as he’s already been selected to play against Inter this week in our important second leg match. However, due to suspensions he’ll miss his first two Serie A fixtures against Cagliari and Udinese. Really I wish I could tell you more about his style of play but the truth is I can’t. I’ve had head stuck so far down a Juventus ostridge-like hole that I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast let alone the abilities of a Lazio first/second stringer. Either way, look at him this way. He’s a defensive replacement for a spot gone empty after Boumsong’s departure. All the best luck to him though. Honestly.

In other news, Tottenham has signed someone else (smart bastards) so Tiago is now set to ride the pine.

In case your wondering where the Livorno recap is my dog ate it. So for now here’s Marco’s over at mCalcio. What a fucking goal by Trezeguet though. Alright, enjoy the rest of the day.