Hugo Ibarra has joined Barcelona-based side Espanyol on a year’s loan from Porto.
The Argentine defender had been linked with a move back to his homeland with Boca Juniors, but opted instead to head for Spain.
Although the loan is only until the end of the season, there is an agreement between Porto and Espanyol for an added one year, and then a first refusal on an option to buy.
“I’m coming here to give my all for Espanyol,” said Ibarra.
He spent the last season on loan to Monaco, where he played in the Champions League final against his contracted club, Porto – giving him the somewhat curious statistic of having both won and lost the same final.
Further good news for Espanyol is the renewal of Raul Tamudo’s contract. The Spanish striker whose goals saved Espanyol from the drop last season, is an idol at the Estadio Montjuic, and will, according to ‘Sport’ newspaper, “stay at the club until he retires.”
