The Colombian midfielder was lined up to join Hull City on a permanent basis in the summer
Former Hull City midfielder Gustavo Puerta has found himself a new club. The Colombian left Bayer Leverkusen on transfer deadline day, securing a move to Spanish outfit Racing de Santander in a reported €3.5m deal.
It was confirmed back in April that the Tigers had agreed a deal with Leverkusen to sign Puerta on a permanent basis on July 1. It was a performance-related automatic purchase option embedded in Puerta’s loan move.
But the player was forced to return to Germany in the summer after City were slapped with a flurry of transfer restrictions by the English Football League. As things stand, City can only sign free transfers and loan players where they do not have to pay a fee. Their ongoing restrictions allowed Santander, who currently sit top of Segunda División, to swoop in and secure Puerta’s signature.
The 22-year-old played 31 times for City across all competitions last term as they narrowly avoided relegation to League One, scoring twice. The Tigers bolstered their midfield options on deadline-day by capturing Leeds United midfielder Darko Gyabi. The former Manchester City youngster penned a three-year deal and could make his City debut against Swansea City after the international break.
“There was interest from other places but when I spoke to Hull, they really gave me an idea and a feeling that I really liked,” said Gyabi. “That’s what made the decision for me.
“It’s important to feel valued and to know there’s a plan and a purpose for the place you’re going into. That was very important to me and speaking to the manager gave me that feeling.
“The manager was clear with how he likes to play and where he sees me fitting into the team. It’s a good place for me to come to improve, learn and kick on – and help the team push forward.
“I like to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. I want to score more goals, defend, help the team and be creative. I can’t wait for what the future holds. I want to be someone that makes an impact, someone that’s exciting and works hard – that’s the minimum I can give.”
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