Porto capture Romanian star Cristian Sapunaru

Right-back bought for 3.5m euros plus Joao Paulo & Pitbull

FC Porto have further strengthened their squad with the capture of Romanian international right-back, Cristian Sapunaru, on a four-year contract.

The highly rated defender comes to the Portuguese champions from Rapid Bucharest in a package valued at six million euros. The deal sees Porto pay around 3.5m euros and includes Joao Paulo and Claudio Pitbull moving to the club managed by Jose Peseiro.

Sapunaru arrives as a direct replacement for Portugal right-back Jose Bosingwa, who was transferred to Chelsea at the start of the summer. The Romanian will compete with Jorge Fucile for a place in the starting line-up.

The 24-year-old is seen as one of the rising stars of a new generation of Romanian footballers. The tall defender (1.87m) can also play at centre-back. He was part of his country’s squad at Euro 2008.

Pitbull disappointment

Meanwhile, after his magnificent season for Setubal last year Claudio Pitbull has seen his hopes of earning a place in Porto’s squad dashed.

The Brazilian did not hide his disappointment but was at the same time philosophical about his immediate future. “I’ve already been informed. My agent told me of the interest shown by Rapid. On the face of it the move isn’t the best solution for me because the Romanian championship isn’t very visible.”

“In any event, the club has a high-quality Portuguese coach. I’m going to talk to FC Porto to explain my position and find out all about Rapid,” explained the skilful forward.


Related: Pitbull asks FC Porto for chance to prove himself