Sturm Graz signs Luis Balbo from Fiorentina
The 20-year-old Venezuelan international is expected to fill the gap left by Emir Karic's departure.
SK Sturm Graz has secured a new left-back.
As the Graz club announced on Wednesday, they have secured the services of Luis Balbo. He receives a "long-term contract" in Graz.
The 20-year-old is a Venezuelan international and played for AC Fiorentina for the past year and a half. He was developed in Portugal at FC Porto and Famalicao.
1.5 Million Euros Transfer Fee
According to reports, Sturm is transferring a fee of 1.5 million euros to Florence.
For Fiorentina's first team, Balbo played in ten competitive matches last season, starting three times.
"Very good dynamism and offensive drive"
Michael Parensen, Sports Director of the Graz club, is delighted about the transfer: "It's no secret that after Emir Karic's departure, we wanted to strengthen our left-back position, and we are glad to have found an excellent solution with Luis Balbo."
"Luis possesses very good dynamism and offensive drive, is already a senior international for his country at his young age, and has gained initial experience in an absolute top league in Italy. We are delighted that Luis has chosen SK Sturm and look forward to seeing him in action soon," Parensen continued.
"With this transfer, we are taking another important step in our declared three-pillar strategy, in which, in addition to key players and the best players from our own youth, we also bring international top talents to SK Sturm," the German concluded.
Balbo consulted Christensen
Balbo himself is also excited about the transfer. Beforehand, he sought advice from Oliver Christensen, who played for Sturm on loan last season.
"I only heard good things from Oliver Christensen about Sturm as a club and the city of Graz, so the decision to move here was accordingly easy for me," said Balbo.
The Venezuelan continued: "Sturm is a truly ambitious club – just as I am as a player – will play in Europe again in the autumn and is known for giving young players a chance. I look forward to getting started on the pitch with the team as soon as possible!"
