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.

If hes equal to or better than Scott Dann and the price is right then why not.

Serie A defender says he is closing in on Liverpool switch

Published 12:07 17/06/11
By David Anderson

Udinese defender Cristian Zapata claims he is close to signing for Liverpool.

The Colombian international centre-back is back home preparing for next month’s Copa America in Argentina and says he is excited about joining “this big club”.

Zapata, 24, said: “We will see everything at the end of the Copa America, but I can say that contacts with Liverpool are at an advanced stage.

“I hope to join this big club.”

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-transfer-news-Cristian-Zapata-says-he-is-closing-in-on-Reds-switch-article748333.html

Villarreal also in the running for Zapata ...

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/zapata-cerca-villarreal-permiso-liverpool/20110617dasdasftb_45/Tes

He looks like a very good player (a best on FM ), but I don't really pay much attention on their defenders when I watch Udinese. It's usually to see Sanchez and Di Natale (Quagliarella as well, when he was there)

He looks like a very good player (a best on FM ), but I don't really pay much attention on their defenders when I watch Udinese. It's usually to see Sanchez and Di Natale (Quagliarella as well, when he was there)

Same But having taken on Udinese as my favourite team in Italy i started to watch their players more. Handanovic ain't a bad player if we didn't have Pepe.

Same But having taken on Udinese as my favourite team in Italy I started to watch their players more. Handanovic ain't a bad player if we didn't have Pepe.

They are my favorite Italian team as well, but mostly because Zico played there.

Yeah Handanovic is not bad, he had a good World Cup as well if I remember correctly

Looked alright everytime I've seen him - like most have said, Udinese's attacking is what I watch the most

A link i hope has genuine legs. Superb center back. Quick,strong as a bull, two footed and great aerailly and only 24. This guy would walk straight into our first eleven. Rumour has it, if we get a decent bid for Agger the Dane will be let go.

via Jen Chang
Cristian Zapata - A good player but sceptical of his comments in regard to LFC. Made similar claims about Arsenal in 2009 and Juve. Also highly doubt Zapata qualifies for a UK work permit and doubt LFC would wait until end of Copa (July) for a CB to make a decision.

Just seen this on Facebook,seems strange for a player to come out with a comment and not sign.

via Jen Chang
Cristian Zapata - A good player but sceptical of his comments in regard to LFC. Made similar claims about Arsenal in 2009 and Juve. Also highly doubt Zapata qualifies for a UK work permit and doubt LFC would wait until end of Copa (July) for a CB to make a decision.

Just seen this on Facebook,seems strange for a player to come out with a comment and not sign.

Could just be trying to get a better contract.
Rooney did it last year.

Has to work very hard due to Udinese's formation but doesn't look a bit out of place. Similar to Hyypia in the way he stops a lot of attacks before they start due to his strength, positioning and aerial dominance. Easily the best CB we've been linked with this season but the sceptic in me thinks that he's after a pay day.

Never seen him play but he certainly comes with a decent reputation and those who have watched him are impressed. He sounds like he would be a good signing but not going to get too excited as you never know whether or not there is any substance in what players say about their possible transfer dealings.

Could just be trying to get a better contract.
Rooney did it last year.

Was thinking the same trying to get more money and a better contract.

via Jen Chang
Cristian Zapata - A good player but sceptical of his comments in regard to LFC. Made similar claims about Arsenal in 2009 and Juve. Also highly doubt Zapata qualifies for a UK work permit and doubt LFC would wait until end of Copa (July) for a CB to make a decision.

Just seen this on Facebook,seems strange for a player to come out with a comment and not sign.

I think his International appearances may help him get entry to England, though.

As i said, i'd be surprised, but not disappointed. Just get him to convince his mate Sanchez to follow him.

Liverpool target Serie A defender in £14m deal

Published 23:01 17/06/11
By David Anderson

Udinese defender Cristian Zapata claims he is prepared to snub Arsenal and Manchester City to join Liverpool.

The Colombia centre-back says he is close to agreeing a move to Anfield and will complete his switch after this summer's Copa America tournament.

The Reds have turned to Zapata - who can play anywhere along the back four - after losing out to Manchester United in the race for their top target, Blackburn's Phil Jones.

Liverpool have yet to agree a fee with Udinese and the Serie A side will want at least £14million for Zapata, who has two years left on his contract.

The 24-year-old, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich, is in South America preparing for next month's Copa America in Argentina.

He says he is excited by the prospect of joining Liverpool.

"I don't know what to say," he said. "What I can say is 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."

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-transfer-news-Cristian-Zapata-Udinese-defender-talks-up-14m-move-from-Udinese-also-target-Arsenal-Manchester-City-article749050.html

A lot of links suggesting he's joining us, hope it's true

Looks pretty decent in this

Christian Zapata vs. AC Milan

Surely if he was after a better contract he would just say he is thinkin about leaving and not actually naming clubs he is thinkin about joining. I have not seen him play but from what i have heard about him he definitely sounds like a more interesting prospect than Dann.

can he play left back?

can he play left back?

Maybe but i think we have seen enough of playing centre backs out of position (Agger at left back for example), have a feeling he will be bought to strengthen the centre of defence and then we will look for a left back to sign. The left back may actually be signed before Zapata (if he does sign).

Looks decent in that vid 14 million would not be to much.

What i likeabout the lad is, udinese qualified for the champions league and he talks about joining a bigger club like Liverpool who are not in the champions league. He obviously knows his football.

can he play left back?

I was wondering if he'd be comfortable in a back three.

According to the BBC via the mirror the player himself says hes close to signing for us.

Also intrest from City, Bayern and Inter

City are melters they have about  central defenders already ffs

Is he comfortable playing in a back three? That's the formation Udinese play. He's usually in the center of the back 3 if I recall.

According to the BBC via the mirror the player himself says hes close to signing for us.

Also intrest from City, Bayern and Inter

City are melters they have about  central defenders already ffs

Yep he came out and said that yesterday, haven't seen much of him but from what people say he could be a good signing.

Udinese defender Christian Zapata says Liverpool FC transfer deal is 'very close'

    By Neil Jones
    Jun 18 2011

UDINESE defender Cristian Zapata has claimed he is on the verge of completing a move to Liverpool FC.

Zapata is one of the most highly-rated central defenders in Serie A, and helped Udinese qualify for the Champions League last season.

The 24-year-old told a Colombian radio station that a switch to Anfield is a possibility, but insists his future will not be decided until the end of the Copa America, which starts in Argentina next month.

"I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to Liverpool,” said Zapata, who has 12 caps for his country and has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

"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."

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is known to be in the market for a defender, having missed out on Blackburn’s Phil Jones, who joined Manchester United.

It is understood that Zapata, who can also play as a full-back, would cost around £12m, though no official bid has been lodged at this stage. He has two years left on his deal at Stade Friuli.

Birmingham’s Scott Dann has also been linked, though the ECHO understands reports of an imminent bid are wide of the mark. Liverpool have concerns about the 24-year-old Merseysider’s fitness record, having seen him miss a large chunk of last season with a hamstring problem.

Meanwhile Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux, persistently linked with a switch to Anfield over the past six months, has signed a five-year deal with Newcastle United.

Marveaux, 25, had been available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract. Liverpool did hold an interest in the Frenchman, but chose not to complete a deal due to doubts over his durability and fitness.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/06/18/udinese-defender-christian-zapata-says-liverpool-fc-transfer-deal-is-very-close-100252-28900128/

I was wondering if he'd be comfortable in a back three.

Yes I do hope Kenny has this up his sleeve, with Johnson/Kelly or Johnson/? on the midfiled flanks.

can he play left back?

He can play all across the back 4 according to some reports.

He can play all across the back 4 according to some reports.

Highly doubt he will be played anytime at left back and if he is then i hope people are prepared for some poor performances.

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."


Say's it all really..sign him up!

This might be a bit OT but if Udinese do decide to sell Zapata and Sanchez, having just qualified for the UCL, do they reall expect to succeed in Europe?

Back on topic and I would defo sign this lad

His tackling seems to be perfectly timed, good headerer of the ball and a really strong defender as well

Would be a great buy IMO, hopefully he wouldn't be a flop like the last defender we got from Italy though!

He said there is a "strong link" with Liverpool but never said the deal is "very close"

Here is the interview if you know spanish: http://www.lafm.com.co/audios/audios/16-06-11/fm-f-tbol-mundial-junio-16-parte-2

Just first 7 minutes

Udinese defender Christian Zapata says Liverpool FC transfer deal is 'very close'

   
"I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to Liverpool,” said Zapata, who has 12 caps for his country and has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

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

Am I the only one who is thinking that by saying he is very close to Liverpool might not mean he is close to signing, just that he likes us as a club.

Am I the only one who is thinking that by saying he is very close to Liverpool might not mean he is close to signing, just that he likes us as a club.

Wondered that as well. This just makes it more likely your interpretation is correct:

He said there is a "strong link" with Liverpool but never said the deal is "very close"

Here is the interview if you know spanish: http://www.lafm.com.co/audios/audios/16-06-11/fm-f-tbol-mundial-junio-16-parte-2

Just first 7 minutes

Great player was awesome against Milan. Great tackler doesnt panic good in the air at set pieces. Said ages ago he would become a top player and being a Columbian nothing in the prem is gona faze him.

He actually says he is 'very close' to Liverpool and Bayern Munich and then says "lo más fuerte es lo del Liverpool" which would translate to something like "the strongest thing is about Liverpool" or more accurately "the most real/possible thing is about Liverpool" so I don't think he's talking about his feelings at all, sounds like business-talk.

He also says there are no news from Arsenal, and he does not see Villareal as an attractive option. All the other talk is about the Copa América. Anyway, I don't know if you guys watch the Copa games but I'll be sure to post something about him once I see him play.

Doubt we'll wait until the end of the Copa America to sign a CB, Cahill and Dann may already be sold by that point

Alway been impressed with the lad when I have seen him, but don't know if he could hack it in the premier league.

Would be a great signing. We've been crying out for a solid,bulky,strong ball winner in defence.

Would be a great signing. We've been crying out for a solid,bulky,strong ball winner in defence.

I see him more of a footballing CB like Agger rather than just a ball winner.

Dont know a awful lot about the lad to be honest,but most of you lot seem to be of the opinion that he,s the buisness so why not.

I see him more of a footballing CB like Agger rather than just a ball winner.

I agree,meant to say that too. Would you say he is Lawrenson/Hansen esq?

I agree,meant to say that too. Would you say he is Lawrenson/Hansen esq?

Hansen was the best CB I have ever seen and Lawrenson one of the quickest, but I understand what you mean. This lad is good with both feet and can bring the ball from the back like Hansen used to. My only gripe would be if he could stomach the physical side of the premiership which is unlike the football he is used to.

If he can adapt he could be a steal.

Hansen was the best CB I have ever seen and Lawrenson one of the quickest, but I understand what you mean. This lad is good with both feet and can bring the ball from the back like Hansen used to. My only gripe would be if he could stomach the physical side of the premiership which is unlike the football he is used to.

If he can adapt he could be a steal.

I reckon he could be one of best signing's since Sami. The link play with the midfield on a counter attack with him bombing forward would be fantastic

Hansen was the best CB I have ever seen and Lawrenson one of the quickest, but I understand what you mean. This lad is good with both feet and can bring the ball from the back like Hansen used to. My only gripe would be if he could stomach the physical side of the premiership which is unlike the football he is used to.

If he can adapt he could be a steal.

A few years ago I would have agreed but you cant tackle anymore in the EPL so it owuldnt be a problem.

He's actually a cross between Agger, Hyypia and Carragher.

He reads the game well and is good at making last ditch interceptions, he can bring the ball forward as if he's a midfielder and he stops a lot of attacks before they happen with his presence and aerial ability.

I never thought we'd be linked with him and thought Milan, Bayern or the likes would snap him up with the offer of CL footy so if we get him it's a MASSIVE coup.

The physical side would be the easiest part for him to adapt to. He's a beast.

It's only a short vid but he looks like a strong lad with good composure on the ball in that clip. Could be a good shout.

Cristian Zapata's agent has played down reports the Udinese defender is set to complete a move to Liverpool.
 
Last week the Colombia international was quoted as saying he was close to sealing a deal with the Premier League giants.
 
Bayern Munich had also made an approach for the 24-year-old, who was previously a target of Arsenal.
 
But his agent, Massimo Italiani, believes Zapata's comments may have been misunderstood and suggested his immediate future will be best served by staying with Udinese.
 
"The statements coming from South America travel too many miles and sometimes they have different meanings from the original ones," he told notiziariosportivo.com.
 
No news

"There is no news regarding his future.
 
"Of course, his dream is to play in the Premier League one day, but to leave a club like Udinese you need a request from a big club.
 
"Cristian will now be involved in the Copa America and we hope he will be a key figure after having a fantastic season with his club.
 
"Udinese is the ideal environment for him to grow without much pressure."
 
Zapata helped Udinese finish fourth in last season's Serie A and he still has two years left on his contract at the Stade Friuli.


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6998179,00.html

He actually says he is 'very close' to Liverpool and Bayern Munich and then says "lo más fuerte es lo del Liverpool" which would translate to something like "the strongest thing is about Liverpool" or more accurately "the most real/possible thing is about Liverpool" so I don't think he's talking about his feelings at all, sounds like business-talk.

The strongest is to Liverpool (referring to the link, I'm assuming).

Seem's this is a bit closer to happening... Anybody heard anything else about this?

I for one want it to materialise.

Seem's this is a bit closer to happening... Anybody heard anything else about this?

I for one want it to materialise.

Is there some new, news?

Villarreal beat Liverpool to Zapata?

Sunday 26 June, 2011

Liverpool look to have been beaten in the race for Udinese defender Cristian Zapata, as he seems to be heading to Villarreal.

The Reds had been heavily linked with the Colombian international centre-back a couple of weeks ago.

However, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, Udinese have a deal in place with Villarreal.

The ‘Yellow Submarine’ director of sport Antonio Cordon has reportedly secured an agreement for €6m plus ownership of Javier Matilla.

Although Matilla is part of the exchange, he will be loaned out to Granada, the Liga club owned by Udinese patrons the Pozzo family.

http://www.football-italia.net/jun26k.html

Heavily linked? A mistranslation from the player looking for attention

Anyway one Zapata is enough for any squad.

Prefer him to Dann whether he is looking for attention or not

Heavily linked? A mistranslation from the player looking for attention

Anyway one Zapata is enough for any squad.

I always thought Zapata meant shoe, in which case a pair might be better.

1stLadyOfFooty Melissa Reddy
by Lfctransfernews
Cristian Zapata, who was linked to #LFC, has agreed a deal with Villarreal. Fee believed to be €7milllion + Altidore or Marco Ruben

1stLadyOfFooty Melissa Reddy
by Lfctransfernews
Cristian Zapata, who was linked to #LFC, has agreed a deal with Villarreal. Fee believed to be €7milllion + Altidore or Marco Ruben

Altidore would be an interesting one there. He'd probably be replacing Sanchez in their forward line. All indications stateside were that he's heading to a Dutch side though...

Tough one to take but onwards and upwards.

Not many cbs in the world with his skillset.

Any money says Barca sign him in the next 3 years to replace Puyol.

Zapata to Villareal is on the Sky Sports website as a done deal.

So, lock please.

Does that mean we weren't in for him ?

Does that mean we weren't in for him ?

NO, read the paper properly! We "missed out" on him

Udinese...wtf? Selling their best players when they finally make a big tournament.

Anyways, locked.