Chico

José Manuel Flores Moreno, known as Chico, is a central defender who has joined Real Mallorca on loan with an option to buy from Italian Serie A side Genoa for the 2011/2012 season.

Chico is a versatile player who came through the youth ranks at Cadiz. After a successful loan spell at FC Barcelona B in 2008, Almería signed the young defender. His development was quick and he became first choice at the club, where he made 47 league appearances in two seasons at the club.

His form enticed Genoa to sign him last summer for €4 million on a five-year deal and he went on to make 15 league appearances.

The 24-year-old has taken a pay cut to join Los Bermellones. His wage at Mallorca is unknown, but whilst at Genoa he was earning £22,000 per week. The purchase option has not been confirmed either. Whilst the clubs were negotiating, the was some sticking point between Genoa’s €6 million valuation and Serra Ferrer’s €3 million valuation – so it is expected the purchase option is somewhere in that region.

The signing of Chico completes the Mallorca backline for the season. With the right back and left back positions already covered, Chico’s signing means Laudrup now has Nunes, Ramis, Chico and Martí Crespí to choose between for central defence.