It looks like Piojo Lopez will be returning to Valencia after his not-so-great stay at Lazio. I don't know about anybody else on these boards, but I think Piojo was the best pure striker in La Liga when he was playing at Valencia. Between him and Mendieta, they just tortured Barcelona, game after game. Now without those great through balls that Mendieta would feed him, it's hard to say how he will fit into Valencia's lineup, but this only strengthens a very good team for next year. I hope they make the Champions League, because I would love to see them make a run.
It wasn't such a great first two years for Claudio, but he has had a good season this time around....has scored maybe a dozen goals and directly created a dozen more.... He's finally become a big threat in Italy, it's unfortunate he has to go....I hope Lazio can get something of value (players or cash) in return...
I really hadn't paid much attention to him this year, but I know previous years were difficult for him. Of course, he was still fighting for a spot with Crespo then, right?
right, he had struggled to hold down a spot...and often played wide on the left too.... Deal seems done, valued at either 6 or 10 M Euro (read it in different places)....and that sum looks to be applied to the money Lazio already owed Valencia for Mendieta...
You're so right and in a weird way I kinda liked that punishment for Barcelona's Van Gaal I (not to be confused with Barcelona's Van Gaal II! ) there were 6 games (2 for Liga, 2 for Copa del Rey and 2 in the semifinals of the Champions League) in that season ('98) in which Piojo scored something like 5-6 times, Ruud Hesp must have been dreaming about Claudio!
Lopez Agrees Valencia Terms Lazio striker Claudio Lopez has moved a step closer to a Valencia return by agreeing personal terms, according to reports. His agent, Fernando Hidalgo, met with Ches officials and apparently agreed a four-year contract worth £1.3 million a season. A fee has yet to be agreed, although the Biancocelesti want around £4 million. Any fee will be subtracted from what Lazio still owe Valencia for Gaizka Mendieta.
Valencia should try to hire Mido for next season as well, maybe include in that deal that he doesn't score for Celta anymore this season so Valencia will make the CL. Hmmm...might actually not be such a bad team: Lopez and Mido. Meh.