Who is Luciano Civelli?

In case anyone was wondering the Tractorboys have actually been doing a bit of transfer business under the radar in the past few weeks, and on Wednesday they introduced the latest addition to the team, Argentine midfielder Luciano Civelli. The fee is reported to be around 1 million pounds, though there appears to be some confusion as to whether the Town have bought him outright or attained 50% of his rights. I'm really not sure how they can buy 50% of the players rights or what that even represents, so lets hope it is an outright purchase and not something out of the Carlos Tevez drawer.

On paper it appears the new lad has some potential. He is only 22 and has scored 8 goals in 68 appearences for his club Banfield in the Argentine Primera División. He is a left footed left midfielder who has been a first team regular since 2006.

This story broke rather quickly as it appeared Ipswich were going to stay quiet in the transfer market given their current middle of the pack (but notably improving) status. This seems to be an encouraging signing and could well pay dividends. Hell, finding a left sided left footed player who can play to some pedigree is an accomplishment in itself. Lets wish the lad a warm welcome and hope he can fit into the team and start contributing. With 17 games to go there is still much to play for and maybe, at least for while, we can look on the bright side.

For the doubters that say it's a waste of money on someone we have never heard of - well to be fair any player that can be attracted to a mid-table second tier club is mostly going to be unheard of, and a million for a reasonably well established 22 year old is a fair gamble in my book.
Besides who had ever heard of Mauricio Taricco?

Luciano, una calurosa bienvenida a Ipswich...

We look forward to adding your name to the coveted Tractor Driver of the Week list.

Cheers!!