Cristian Zapata (Udinese)

Udinese defender reveals Reds offer

By Graeme Bailey - June 17, 2011

Udinese defender Cristian Zapata has revealed that he is close to agreeing a deal with Liverpool.

The Colombia international is rated as one of the best defenders in Serie A and he played a major role in helping them into the UEFA Champions League next season.

He is currently back in South America preparing for the Copa America, but he has revealed that he is in talks about leaving Italy.

The 24-year-old has stated that Liverpool and Bayern Munich have both made moves for his signature, but he admits that he is close to sealing a switch to Anfield.

Asked about his future by La FM, he said: "I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to Liverpool.

"At the end of the Copa America, we will see what happens with my future.

"I have gained experience, but the time has come for me to make the jump to a big team."

Zapata, who has been with Udinese for four years, plays in central defence but is also capable of playing in either full-back position.

A previous target of Arsenal, Zapata currently has two years left on his contract at the Stade Friuli.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...993024,00.html

haven't heard of this Zapata guy.. has anyone on here seen him play ?

Good defender. I hope we sign him (if we really want him).

His stats

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/73101/christian-zapata?cc=5739

Wiki was soon updated!

Zapata was signed by Udinese on 31 August 2005 from Deportivo Cali, along with team-mate Abel Aguilar which both of them played at U-20 World Cup.

In October 2007, Zapata along with Andrea Dossena, Roman Eremenko and Simone Pepe were awarded new contracts until June 2012.[1][2]

In June 2008, he was injured[3] and missed 6 months.

In 2009–10 season, he usually played as central defender, partnered with Andrea Coda.

On Friday the 17th June 2011 He announced that he was close to agreeing a deal with Liverpool Fc.

I've only seen him a couple of times on dodgy streams. What's the verdict on him?

I have heard he is class act..

Awesome. I love Zapa

remember his marking being a 20 in FM couple years back

safe to assume that nobody has a clue whats going on with transfer that come from abroad? its going to be easier for transfer rumors that are domestic to get leaked out, but transfers from abroad seems we are keeping a tight seal on.....but then again this could be Zapata trying to throw our name out for a better contract.....

remember his marking being a 20 in FM couple years back

I was just about to say he is/was epic on FM haha.

but then again this could be Zapata trying to throw our name out for a better contract.....

This was actually the first thing I thought of. I remember (because of his very distinctive name) Zapata 'leaking' info that Arsenal were after him a couple of years ago - yet nothing came of that.

I'm dubious about his claims but I'm also often wrong.  

His stats

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/73101/christian-zapata?cc=5739

Comolli Likes the stats.

http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/ioQAxXI73Uyko5h5D3mzZQ/Show/Cristian-Zapata-Vincent-Kompany%E2%80%99s-Ideal-Defensive-Partner-at-Manchester-City

He's very good. At least in Italy.

Zapata ‘close’ to Liverpool

Friday 17 June, 2011

Udinese defender Cristian Zapata has told local radio back in Colombia that he could sign for Liverpool.

The international centre-back, who can also play on the right, has been a success with fourth placed Udinese this season.

The 24-year-old, who has also claimed interest from Bayern Munich, says he could be set for an Anfield switch this summer.

"I don’t know anything for sure, all I can say is that I am very close to Liverpool," he told La FM. "We will see what happens with my future at the end of the Copa America.”

The stopper has been in Italy since 2005 and, although his contract still has another 24 months left to run, he feels this may be the moment to leave the Stadio Friuli.

"I have gained experience,” he continued. “However, the time has come for me to make the jump up to a big team."

http://www.football-italia.net/jun17g.html

And here is the part of the radio interview ...

http://www.lafm.com.co/audios/audios/16-06-11/cristian-zapata-confirm-que-tiene-ofertas-de-liverpool-y-del-bayern-de-m-nich

Uh oh.

Is this where everyone slams him because he's been playing in Italy?

He's like a taller Skrtel. Can make you think 'WTF?' at times but could turn out to be a solid capture.

We should buy for just having a boss name!



10,000 of these on the kop every week if we sign him.

He's like a taller Skrtel. Can make you think 'WTF?' at times but could turn out to be a solid capture.

Good then. Heard he's good in the air, don't know myself as haven't seen him play. Is that true as I see him a replacement for Kyrgiakos??

Beast in the air. It actually makes sense, this signing, so i won't be surprised if someone of his style is signed but i certainly didn't see him as a potential target.

Don't see it personally, with Kyrgiakos signing a new deal I think I read.

Don't see it personally, with Kyrgiakos signing a new deal I think I read.

I don't think he has signed a new contract yet, it's just in his contract that we can offer him a further year.

There is nothing on the offal saying we have offered him a new contract.

Says on SkySports that he played enough games which triggered a clause to guarantee him a further 12 months or something, so perhaps he could be sold on still.