Luciano Zauri returns to Sampdoria; Morten Rasmussen moves to Mainz

Luciano Zauri returns to Sampdoria

Sampdoria have announced the loan signing of Lazio full-back Luciano Zauri, who had already spent last season at Marassi.

Even though Sampdoria did not exercise the option to buy half of his contract in July, they have decided to extend the deal for another year.

“UC Sampdoria confirm the acquisition, on loan with the right to buy, of Luciano Zauri (born in Pescina, L’Aquila, on January 20 1978).

“The full-back, who has taken shirt number 78, will be at coach Domenico Di Carlo’s service from this afternoon’s training session,” read the official statement.

Former Lazio captain started almost every single game for Samp last season and there is no doubt his experience will be a major asset to the side in both domestic and European competitions.

[Source: Sampdoria]

Racing sign Alexandros Tziolis

Racing Santader have presented their sixth signing of the transfer window, Greek midfielder Alexandros Tziolis.

The La Liga side paid Siena 100,000 euros for one-year loan deal, with an option to buy out his contract for 900,000 euros. If Racing exercise that option, the player will sign a new two-year deal.

Tziolis has made a name for himself at Panathianikos, even though he wasn’t always considered a first team regular at Apostolos Nikolaidis. He was later farmed out on loan to Werder Bremen, after which his contract was bought by Siena but he failed to impress there as well and has now given the third chance to prove his worth in Europe.

The 25-year-old has already got loads of experience and if he manages to adapt to the new surroundings quickly enough, he might prove to be quite a bargain after all.

[Source: AS]

Mainz snatch Celtic forward

Mainz have captured Celtic striker Morten Rasmusen on a one-year loan, with an option to buy out his contract.

The Danish forward had only arrived to Celtic Park in January from Brondby, but after scoring just two goals in ten games he was allowed to move on.

Rasmussen has already completed the medical and will be officially presented to the press today at noon.

Club manager Christian Heidel believes the Dane will prove to be a real hit at Stadion am Bruchweg.

“Morten Rasumssen is a player who develops an eerie presence on the pitch, he is playable and also boasts a pretty good goalscoring record. He can be used as lone striker in 4-2-3-1 formation or as a second striker.”

Mainz have thus quickly found a replacement for Aristide Bance, who had move to Dubai, although it remains to be seen if Rasmussen can become an instant hit at Mainz, since he doesn’t have a lot of experience of playing abroad.

[Source: Kicker]