Blues sign Ecuadorian international defender
Giovanny Espinoza joins the defensive ranks at Birmingham City
Also In The News
|
British number one Anne Keothavong suffered a shock 7-5 6-2 defeat Austrian Patricia Mayr – a player 29 places below her in the world rankings. |  |
Wednesday, 24, Jun 2009 08:58
Birmingham City have signed Ecuadorian international defender Giovanny Espinoza from Barcelona Sporting Club on a two-year deal.
The 32-year-old is Alex McLeish's fifth signing of the summer as he looks to add to his squad ahead of the Blues' Premier League campaign.
Hot on the heels of his capture of goalkeeper Joe Hart, McLeish has now sealed a deal for an experienced centre-half to further bolster his defence.
Espinoza has played 80 times for his country and has appeared in two World Cups.
The defender, who has previously played with Brazilian side Cruzeiro and Vitesse Arnhem from Holland, says he is looking forward to testing himself in the Premier League.
He said: "It's a new step in my football career and I hope I can help the team. I think I can bring experience to the defence as I've played a lot of games at club level and for the national team.
"My objective is the same as the team, to first of all help the club remain in the Premier League. Personally I hope to establish myself in the team, give 100 per cent in every game and play as much as possible."
Birmingham also confirmed their £5 million bid for Cardiff City defender Roger Johnson had been accepted by the Welsh side.
Johnson, 26, joined the Bluebirds for £275,000 three years ago and has since made 129 appearances and scored 14 goals.