Something Good for Valencia!

By: Martha | January 4th, 2008

Pimp Here’s something with which Valencia supporters can dry their eyes as their team threatens to collapse: They’ve won the Ever Banega sweepstakes, securing the services of the 19-year-old Boca Juniors starlet for a hefty $26 million. Despite rumors a week ago that the midfielder was bound for Serie A and Juventus, Boca agreed the sale earlier this week, and final adjustments are being made the I’s and T’s as we speak — the player is reportedly already in Spain to join his new team.

Banega’s rise has been jaw-droppingly fast: According to Wikipedia, he came up through the youth ranks and made his debut for Boca less than a year ago, stepping into the midfield vacancy left by the departure of Fernando Gago, a player to whom he is frequently compared. Additionally, he was a huge part of the success of the Argentine team at last summer’s U-20 World Cup in Canada, playing provider to Golden Boot winner Sergio Aguero as the Argies took the title.

The new Gago (or, if you prefer, Riquelme, or Pirlo, except harder) or not, Banega’s silkily skilled and a great passer, and with Ronald Koeman ferociously ringing the changes at Valencia, it can’t possibly be too long before he gets his chance in Spain. Interestingly, though, Banega’s not exactly dancing for joy: He wanted to play with Boca in the Copa Libertatodores, and seems a least a little worried about moving to Europe such a short time after becoming a regular. If nothing else, his concerns suggest the kid has a good head on his shoulders, which will go a long way to helping him survive the massive life changes he’s about to experience.

[Pat little Adidas bio here, mad skillz here.]