Experienced Rodrigo Ely to shore up UD Almería defence
The 28-year-old Italian-Brazilian centre-back joins the Rojiblancos. He has featured 85 games for first-tier Deportivo Alavés
Rodrigo Ely, a central defender born in Brazil and with an Italian passport, becomes a new UD Almería player for the remainder of the 2021/22 season, although his contract includes an option to extend his deal for two more years. He is a 28-year-old defensively savvy footballer and he is 1.88m tall. The defender has considerable experience in Spanish football since he has played in the top flight for Deportivo Alavés over the previous five campaigns, featuring in 85 games, including the Copa del Rey final, and scoring five goals.
An injury-hit defence with a lack of centre-backs has led UD Almería to reach an agreement with Rodrigo Ely, who has just terminated his contract at Nottingham Forest FC, the English club he signed for at the beginning of the current season. The previous five seasons, he was at Deportivo Alavés, a Spanish Club he moved to from Italian football. He used to play for AC Milan, a club that loaned him out to Italian second-tier Serie B teams given the footballer's young age.
The UD Almeria new player is a right-footed central defender who can play either on the right or on the left. Rodrigo is not only a big aerial threat with passing accuracy in the build-up play, but also contributes in attack and strategy.
Rodrigo Eli arrived in Almería last weekend to complete his new contract and take his medical. He has been the highlight of this Monday morning’s training session with the presence of Dyego Sousa, who was subbed in Zaragoza. Robertone has begun to exercise on the sidelines. Centre-back Babić, who ended up experiencing discomfort at La Romareda three days ago, has undergone physiotherapy treatment. Last but not least, central defender Iván Martos will have diagnostic tests in the next few hours to find out the extent of his injury.