F.C Porto last night confirmed the sale of wing-back Álvaro Pereira to Internazionale of Italy, finally bringing to an end one of the summer’s most protracted departures. The deal will net the Dragons an initial €10,000,000 and could eventually be worth €15,000,000, depending on performance-related bonuses. Pereira’s former club CFR Cluj will take a 20% cut.Álvaro joined Porto from Cluj in 2009, following the sale of Cissokho to Lyon. The Uruguayan was slotted into the side almost immediately, and has been a key component in the club’s success over the last two seasons, contributing in both defence and attack. In total, he made 119 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
The end for Pereira came in Porto’s 1-0 win at Braga last April. After being substituted on the hour mark the Uruguayan could be seen making his displeasure at coach Vítor Pereira’s decision felt, and although he played 90 minutes in the final match of the season against Rio Ave, he was almost entirely absent from this summer’s pre-season preparations.
A guaranteed windfall of €8,000,000, potentially rising to €12,000,000, represents a profit on the €4,500,000 Porto paid Cluj for Pereira three years ago – although perhaps not as sizeable a return as that which was reportedly on the table in January, when Chelsea were widely reported to have made an offer.
Pereira reunites with his former teammate Fredy Guarín at Inter, with the Colombian having made his move permanent this summer. Alex Sandro and Mangala will now compete for the starting spot at left back.
Sereno on the verge of Valladolid return
In other Porto transfer news, Portuguese centre back Sereno is set for a return to La Liga side Valladolid. The 27 year-old spent 2009/10 at the Spanish club, and is expected to seal his loan switch today. With Otamendi, Maicon, Mangala, Rolando and Abdoulaye all ahead of him in the pecking order, the move appears to make sense for all concerned.
