Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Augusto Fernandez from Celta Vigo on a three-and-a-half year contract.
The 29-year-old arrives as a direct replacement for long-term absentee Tiago Mendes, despite only playing in central midfield for the past year, and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s match against Levante.
Debuting in Argentina’s Primera Division with River Plate in 2005, he won the 2008 Clausura under Diego Simeone and joined Saint-Etienne a year later, before returning to his homeland with Velez Sarsfield in 2010.
He then moved to Celta in the summer of 2012, where he quickly established himself as a key player and soon became captain, his form also resulting in an Argentina call-up for the 2014 World Cup.
“This is a player of proven experience in La Liga competition and will bring quality to a great midfield like ours,” sporting director Jose Luis Caminero told Atleti’s official website.
“His addition will help us with the requirement of having to play in three very tough competitions over the coming months.
“We have very young players who will be served very well by his experience, poise and presence on the pitch.
“He arrives from being Celta’s captain, and such leadership qualities on the pitch will be very good for the team.”
Augusto is Atleti’s second January signing after countryman Matias Kranevitter.
Image courtesy clubatleticodemadrid.com
