THE MARVELS OF MADRID

By Heath Chesters
Updated: 14 January, 2012

When asked about having signed three left-sided players, Granada CF Director of Football Juan Carlos Cordero, simply stated:

“We’re doing our homework before the others. When other clubs will seek left-handed players, in positions where there is high demand, we will already have at least three.”

Soon to be officially confirmed, will be the capture of former Rayo Vallecano defender Borja Gómez. Whilst formalities and a medical have yet to be completed, it’s expected he’ll be confirmed by the weekend, initially on a loan deal until June 2012, but with an €800k option to buy at the end of the season.

Talks over the potential signing of powerful young striker Khouma Babacar remain ongoing. Both Fiorentina and Granada CF seem to have reached an impasse, even though the player has agreed terms, the two clubs have yet to agree financial terms for a deal.

Whilst both clubs have agreed in principal to an initial loan deal for the remainder of the season, neither seem willing to move from their respective vauations for a permanent move.

Granada president Quique Pina is believed to have offered €6m, whilst Fiorentina are holding out for €10m for the player they believe has fantastic potential. Latest reports also suggest the Italians may also want a loan fee included in any deal.

If there’s no further movement between the clubs in the next few days, it looks like any deal might be dead in the water. Pina and Cordero have made it clear they’re “looking at other striker options” though, should this be the case and given the importance of signing a prominent striker during this transfer window.

In what’s already been a very busy transfer window for Granada and their president Quique Pina, it doesn’t end there… he’s also looking to further strengthen the links with Segunda B4 side Cádiz CF.

Following the successful Udinese model, Granada are looking at two or three more “investment” signings, that will join Cádiz on loan during the transfer window. This could take the number of Granada owned players loaned to Cádiz, up to around fifteen players.

In seperate news, three former employees of the company who provide security at matches and around the Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium, have been arrested by police for the alleged theft of a strong-box containing around €100,000.

The alleged theft took place following the home match against Barcelona in October 2011. Investigations by police are ongoing and charges against the three suspects have yet to be confirmed.

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