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Fabio Aurelio – Transfer Profile
Valencia’s Brazilian Fabio Aurelio left back looks almost certain to join Liverpool this summer, but what are his qualities and why does Rafa Benitez want to bring him in so much? All Things Red brings you the definitive lowdown on the Los Che star.
Name: Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues
Date of Birth: 24th September 1979
Place of Birth: Sao Carlos, Brazil
Current Team: Valencia
Position: Left back, can play left midfield
Height: 178 cm / 5’10”
Key Transfer Quotes
"I have been given very few chances to play in my position at left-back, which has made me see that my future is not at this club." Aurelio
“The contacts are open with Liverpool and things are going well, but still the operation is not closed.” Aurelio’s Agent.
“Brazilian left-back Fabio Aurelio has already committed to signing (for Liverpool) from Valencia.” BBC Sport
“Fabio Aurelio has signed a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool.” The Times Sport.
“Although no official confirmation is yet forthcoming, Spanish radio reports that Liverpool's offer of €2 million (£1.38 million) per season eclipsed both Olympiakos and Valencia's approaches.” Sky Sports News.
Why Buy?
The skilful left back from Brazil is renowned for having plenty of power in his left foot and a decent tackle on him, although it is conceded that generally Aurelio is better going forward than at defending. He is a player who is never afraid to shoot, has intelligence going in both directions, and can occasionally take players on; a good crosser of the ball, Aurelio would surely be a perfect supplier for the headers of Crouch from out wide. By all accounts, and from everything that I’ve personally seen of the lad, Aurelio is a less robust but trickier version of John Arne Riise, the man with whom he is likely to be vying for the left back position with next year; the two should complement each other well.
The main reason that he is leaving Valencia is a lack of opportunities since the departure of Rafa Benitez. Breaking a leg a couple of years ago ruled him out for almost an entire season, and now, after only 11 full La Liga starts this year, and most of those coming at left midfield, a place he has the ability to play but prefers not to, Aurelio wants to leave (despite last minute efforts from Valencia to get him to stay. Benitez, as mentioned, managed Aurelio in his time in Spain and the Brazilian was a first team regular, getting to know the current Liverpool boss well. With Djimi Traore set to depart in the transfer window, and Aurelio already holding an EU Italian passport, we have plenty of reasons to bring him in for a very small price.
Will He Come?
In a word, yes. Real Madrid will chase Ashley Coal this summer, and wide speculation says that they will go after Aurelio if they fail in their premier bid. But most accounts say that he is already tied to Liverpool, and despite a lack of quotes explicitly saying so, I would be very surprised not to see him join Paletta and Gonzales at Anfield next season.
