Liverpool winger Leto joins Olympiacos
Tuesday, 05 Aug 2008 11:17
Liverpool winger Sebastian Leto joins Olympiacos on two-year loan
Liverpool's Argentinean youngster Sebastian Leto has agreed terms on a two-year loan move to Olympiacos after having his application for a British work permit turned down.
The 21-year-old needed a permit from the Department of Work and Pensions after his Italian passport, which allowed him to play for the club last season, was revoked.
Leto has joined the Greek side for an initial 12-month loan with the option of a further extension if he impresses in his first year.
"Olympiakos is a challenge for me. I know I will be here for two years," the player told the club's official website.
"I've had two weeks of pre-season training with Liverpool and I believe I will be ready to do whatever I have to.
"Olympiakos are a great team who challenge for every honour in Greece and in the Champions League.
"The team has some good players, a well-known coach and fanatical supporters which always inspires them."
Yesterday, Reds manager Rafael Benitez admitted he was "disappointed" at the player's permit application being rejected, especially as Leto had made four appearances for the Reds in the Champions League and Carling Cup last season.
"It was a surprise because this is a player who has played in the Champions League and been in the Argentina squad for the Olympic Games," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.
"You have managers talking about how good he is, so I think the system needs to change."
The deal with Olympiacos for Leto contains no provision for a permanent switch, and Benitez has stated he believes there is still a future for the youngster at Anfield.
"He has a long contract, and I think he can impress and next year will be a different situation," the Spaniard explained.
"Hopefully in the future, if he's playing in the Champions League, maybe someone will say, 'Oh, we made a mistake'.
"At the end of the day, we are talking about the future of a player and I don't think that is fair."