Baptistao switches Atletico for Espanyol

Espanyol has signed forward Leo Baptistao from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal.

(Courtesy: @RCDEspanyol)

The 23-year-old Brazilian moved to Los Rojiblancos in 2013 but spent much of his time away from the club in loan spells with Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, and Villarreal. With the latter in 2015-16, Baptistao scored three times in 12 La Liga starts.

The Santos native is adept both up front and on the wing, so can offer competition to the likes of physical Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo and fleet-footed right-winger Hernan Perez.

Due to holding an Italian passport, the transfer was relatively seamless and he will be unveiled to fans at his presentation on Monday.