Hot on the heels of Michael Mancienne joining Hamburg earlier this week, news is breaking this afternoon that Italian midfielder Jacopo Sala has also been snared by Frank Arnesen and has signed a three-year deal with the German club.
The Italian, who has represented his country at all junior levels up to Under-21, was not expected to move, with a year remaining on his contract, but has this afternoon been unveiled as a HSV player.
Speaking about his new signing, Arnesen told HSV.de:
“Jacopo is a player with a bright future. He has gone through all the youth national teams with Italy and has excellent physical properties and skill too.”
The Italian, meanwhile, is delighted at taking the next step in his career.
“Playing for HSV is a great opportunity for me. It would be great for me, if possible, to develop quickly here and play with the first team, because this is a great club. Whether in Italy or England, HSV is known everywhere.”
Sala has appeared on the first team bench on a handful of occasions due to injuries and appeared to be making his mark on Carlo Ancelotti as one for the future, with his mature brand of trickery and playmaking ability developing nicely.
However, with his sacking and the departure of compatriot Fabio Borini on a five-year deal to Parma, the opportunity to move abroad with an eye on accelerating his development has proven too good to turn down.
More on this story as it breaks.