Deependra Singh Negi signs professional contract with Spanish Club CF Reus
According to Goal, the midfielder has already joined the Catalonian side’s under-19 setup for practice sessions.
Club de Futbol Reus Deportiu, commonly known as Reus, participate in the Spanish Segunda Division – the second tier league in the country. After fives games this season, they currently sit fourth on the table.
According to Atanu Mitra and Nikhil Jitendran of Goal, in February 2016, the Indian fledgling had already begun having trials at a number of clubs in Spain, including La Liga side Espanyol.
India U-17 captain Deependra Singh Negi eyes Spain stint after undergoing trials at Espanyol https://t.co/JYodYWvlh3 pic.twitter.com/Aj6x5BP7ME
— Goal India (@Goal_India) February 3, 2016
He also spent a few weeks at Gimnàstic de Tarragona – a Segunda division side in Tarragona, Catalonia. Despite putting up stellar performances for the Segunda outfit, no contract came to fruition owing to a change of personnel at the club, which saw the new coach bring in his own set of players.
His agent Ravi Daswani gave an insight into his client’s journeys across the world and also believed he would be in Spain for a number of years to come.
“He had also gone to L’Hospitalet and San Andreu and everywhere the coaches were impressed with him. He is now moving to Spain for good,” informed the player’s agent, earlier this year.
FC Pune City sign Spanish forward Tato
The Rajesh Wadhawan Group and Hrithik Roshan co-owned Indian Super League club FC Pune City strengthened their forward line by adding forward Jesus Tato for the 2016 edition of the league. This will be the attacker’s first stint in the Indian club competition.
Club CEO Gaurav Modwel feels the team has been bolstered by the addition of their new recruit. “Tato adds versatility to our frontline. He can play forward as well as on wings as per the team’s requirements. His experience of playing in the Spanish leagues means his skill sets are up there and he will be an asset for FC Pune City,” said Modwell
Welcome to FC Pune City, Jesus Rodriguez Tato! #KarPunekar pic.twitter.com/quciNeoviG
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) September 20, 2016
Tato started his career with Barcelona, playing for their youth team. He scored 11 goals playing for the Spanish giants’ ‘C’ team in his three years with them. He then moved on and played for Murcia, Albacete, Xerez, Las Palmas, Girona, Zaragoza in his senior career. He has also represented the Spanish U-16 and U-20 national teams.
Making his Indian Super League debut, Tato said he was excited at the prospect of playing the sport out of his comfort zone. “I am turning a new page in my career. Having played in Spain for most of my career, adapting to new culture, new style and different players will be a challenge I will relish and hope it will make me a better player,” stated the Spaniard.
