Once described as the "new Messi," Juan Manuel Iturbe failed to deliver on his promise at Porto after moving from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño in 2010. The attacker made just six league appearances in Portugal, and was shipped out on loan to River Plate for some first-team football last season. Now, Serie A's Hellas Verona have announced the signing of the former Argentine youth international on loan, with the option to make Iturbe's stay permanent.
Hellas Verona loan Juan Manuel Iturbe from Porto
Serie A side Hellas Verona have confirmed the signing of Juan Manuel Iturbe on loan from Porto.
Dennis Grombkowski
It’s definitely an interesting move for both parties. Hellas now have a player who was once very highly rated, offering an advanced, central creative option that they previously didn’t have. As for Iturbe, he’ll find more game time than at Porto, and the opportunity to prove just how good he can be.
It's a move similar to that of Juanfer Quintero to Pescara last summer, with the Colombian playmaker hugely impressive in his debut season in Serie A. He's now earned a move away from the Adriatico -- coincidentally to Porto -- and is now rated as one of the best young players around. Let's see if Iturbe can seize the opportunity in the same fashion.
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