Atletico Madrid have officially confirmed the six-month loan deal for Metalist’s midfielder, Jose Sosa after the Argentinean requested that the club, who is out of season, allow him to leave in order to boost his chances of making it to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Reports of the move began to surface on Monday evening and Metalist confirmed in an official announcement that Sosa would be loaned out, but did not specify the club.
“FC Metalist captain Jose Sosa received permission from the club president Sergiy Kurchenko to go on six-month loan to one of the European clubs.
“We listened to Jose Sosa’s request that he wants to win a place in the Argentina national team to participate at the World Cup in 2014, which will be held in Brazil.
“Given Jose’s contribution to the development of the club and taking into account the fact that the championships in European countries are held during the winter, in contrast to Ukraine, we have decided to meet Sosa’s wish to go on six-month loan to one of the European clubs.”
Atletico Madrid then confirmed the loan deal, stating the former Bayern Munich and Napoli player would undergo his standard medical on Thursday morning.
“Atletico Madrid and FC Metalist have reached an agreement that will see José Sosa play in our club on loan until 30th June 2014. The Argentine, who acted as the captain of the Ukrainian team, arrive in Madrid in time to spend the New Year here and this Thursday he will do the relevant medical examination before completing his signing as a new Atletico player .
Jose Sosa, born June 19th1985 in the town of Carcarañá Argentina (Santa Fe), is an offensive midfielder with an excellent shot, he can adapt to various positions in midfield. Prior to his arrival at the Ukrainian side Metalist in the 2011-12 season, the Argentina international played for Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina), Bayern Munich (Germany) and Napoli (Italy). ”
Sosa made seven appearances for Argentina during the 2014 World Cup qualifying but with his place far from secure, the 28-year-old and the club agreed to the six-month deal.