Parma today confirmed the signing of 24 year old Colombian international Dorlan Pabon for a fee of 4 million euros, while Giovanni Moreno completes a move to join Drogba and Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua.
The Colombian striker, who was named the worlds eighth most prolific goalscorer this year by the IFFHS, has signed a 5 year contract with the Italian club. Pabon made his international debut in 2010 and he has become a regular in the national side alongside Radamel Falcao. While for Los Cafeteros Pabon plays behind Falcao, for his club side he often cuts in from the right wing. He has the ability and adaptability to play as a winger, a centre forward or an attacking midfielder.
The striker, known as 'memin' by Nacional fans because of his Road Runner like acceleration, became one of the continents rising stars following a string of excellent performances in this years Copa Libertadores. Pabon established a lethal partnership with midfield playmaker Macnelly Torres and scored 7 goals, including an incredible, swerving 40 yard freekick against Peñarol.
Dorlan Pabon began his career at Atletico Nacionals local rivals Envigado, a small club from a municipality to the south of Medellin. Pabon began his career as a right winger, scoring 16 goals in 67 appearances for the club. In 2010 Pabon made his dream move to the club he had supported as a boy, Atletico Nacional, where he played in a more advanced role, scoring 29 goals in 65 appearances.
The move to Parma means that Pabon will now follow in the footsteps of his idol, Faustino Asprilla. Asprilla rose to prominence as part of Nacional's championship winning side in 1991 before securing a big money move to the Parma. Jorge Bolaño and Jhonnier Montaño have also both enjoyed successful spells at I Crociati.
Parma will be delighted to have won the chase to sign one of the contents brightest stars, with Udinese, Galatasaray, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Marseille, Malaga and Rubin Kazan all reported to have expressed an interest in the striker.
Elsewhere, fellow Colombian international Giovanni Moreno signed a two year contract with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. El Flaco will play behind the formidable strike partnership of Nicolas Anelka and recent signing Didier Drogba.
The 25 year old attacking midfield players career followed a similar path to Dorlan Pabon. He began his career at Envigado, move to Atletico Nacional and then made his international debut following a string of impressive performances.
The skilful playmaker then moved to Racing Club in Argentina in 2010, impressing with a series of excellent performances. The midfielder has, however, struggled to find his best form following a series of injuries towards the end of last year. He has been unable to regain his place in the Colombian side and has received threats from groups of Racing fans.
The big spending Chinese club, which are now managed by former Argentine national coach Sergio Batista, will play the Colombian play-maker behind the former Chelsea pairing of Drogba and Anelka. Moreno has signed a 2 year deal at the club, with the option of a 2 year extension.
