DRAWING BLANKS – Getafe’s search for goals goes on

By Olly Dawes
Updated: 17 August, 2011

By Olly Dawes

When Luis Garcia arrived at Getafe he immediately set about mending a leaky defence that had shipped in 60 goals last term, taking them to the brink of relegation before they finally survived by the skin of their teeth.

Experienced players like Lopo, Juan Valera and Juan Dominguez have been brought in to try and steady the ship at the back, whilst the chopping and changing in goal between Ustari and Codina seems to be at an end, as Miguel Angel Moya has been brought in on loan from Valencia.

But this is now a team in dire need of some firepower. Quickly.

Getafe scored 49 goals last season – a respectable total, and more than some top half teams.

But this total was gained with Spanish international Manu del Moral, who has moved to Sevilla, aswell as playmakers Dani Parejo (Valencia) and Juan Albin (Espanyol). Backup strikers Arizmendi (Neuchatel Xamax) and Adrian Sardinero (Hercules) have also departed, leaving Garcia with just Venezuelan Miku and Adrian Colunga – neither particularly prolific.

So Garcia has decided that he will spend the ‘Team Dubai’ millions on a new centre forward.

If he could find one, that is.

Getafe struggled in front of goal last term and leaked too many at the back.

Primary target Nelson Haedo Valdez has turned Getafe down, opting for a move to Russia with Rubin Kazan from relegated Hercules, whilst Garcia’s favourite from Levante, Felipe Caicedo also moved to Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow.

Other targets included Manchester City’s Roque Santa Cruz, Almeria’s Jonathan Ulloa and Fenerbahce striker Dani Guiza, all of which have seen moves to Getafe break down for one reason or another.

It now seems that Birmingham’s former Racing Santander beanpole Nikola Zigic is Getafe’s new No. 1 target.

The fans seem in total unanimity that the new striker should be a ‘classic No. 9’. Someone who is good in the air, someone who can hold the ball up. A focal point.

Zigic fits the bill perfectly. The only problem is that he isn’t overly prolific either.

Birmingham are desperate to get the giant Serbian off the payroll and a move could suit both parties – Zigic enjoyed varying success at Santander and Valencia before moving over to England.

Goals were hard to come by in pre season and with under a week to go until the (scheduled!) big kick off, Garcia must be worrying about his team’s potency this year – unless he can push a deal through very quickly.

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