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Juan Ugarte has signed a two-year deal with the club having flown to Portugal to join up with the rest of the squad at the club's training camp in Portugal. The signing represents great business by Crewe who have managed to fight off interest from Leeds, Sheff Utd, Cardiff and Coventry to secure the 24-year old striker. The club are now just awaiting international clearance from the football league and Ugarte should make his debut either at Newcastle Town or Quorn FC on Tuesday 12th July.
Press Officer Rob Wilson said, "We have now agreed personal terms with Juan and his advisors and fully expect him to become a Crewe Alexandra player in the next couple of days. He will join up with the squad in Portugal where everything will be completed." Wilson went on to confirm that the Club are not yet satisfied with their squad and will continue to pursue targets: "His addition to our squad would add real competition for places in the forward positions, especially if Dario can bring in another striker on a long term loan."
The deal had been threatened by Dario's refusal to allow a goal bonus in the Spaniard's contract although it appears that any problems have been ironed out.
Ugarte began his career in native Spain where he signed for Real Sociedad at the age of 10, on the same day that Xabi Alonso signed as the duo forged a close friendship. After a troublesome time with injuries, Ugarte left Spain and eventually joined Dorchester Town where he hit 6 goals in just 7 games earning himself a trial with Xabi Alonso's Liverpool. Liverpool didn't believe the 5'10 hitman was good enough for them so instead recommended him to Wrexham where he scored 22 goals in 38 appearances including hat-tricks at Stockport and Oldham, four goals against Chesterfield and five goals at Hartlepool. Despite his impressive record, he was inconsistant at Wrexham with some average performances at home and some simply awesome performances away from home. Crewe Alexandra fans will be hoping for Ugarte to continue his scoring record in the Coca Cola Championship.
Copyright © 2005 William Holyoak