Blackburn have completed the signing of Carlos Villanueva on a season-long loan deal from Audax Italiano.
The midfielder, who was recently voted Chile’s footballer of the year, could seal a permanent £4 million move if he impresses during his time at Ewood Park.
The 22-year-old is a favourite among YouTube skills-seekers, and Paul Ince admits that a number of the Rovers squad have already checked out their new team-mate online.
“He’s a very skilful and exciting player,” said Ince. “Hopefully it’s a signing that will excite our fans.
“Some of the lads have watched him on YouTube and he looks different class.
“Getting him here excites me and shows the kind of football I’m looking to play at Blackburn.”
Blackburn Rovers
On 17 July 2008, it was confirmed by Villanueva’s agents and also former club that Villanueva would play for the Blackburn Rovers of the Premiership in England. He also confirmed this on 29 July, pending a Work Permit being issued.
On 2 August, Villanueva completed his season-long loan move to Blackburn. The club had the option to make the deal permanent, at a pre-agreed fee. Villanueva also agreed terms to extend his contract for a further three years, if the option is exercised.
On 27 August, Villanueva made his debut for Blackburn in a League Cup game against Grimsby Town, a match in which he scored his first goal for the club. He also set up a goal for striker Matt Derbyshire and had a direct hand in the other two goals, in a 4-1 win. His debut was delayed by a few weeks due to the virus chicken pox which forced him to stay away from club training facilties, so that he did not pass on the virus to other staff.
On 20 September, Villanueva made his (home) debut in the Premier League as a late second half substitute against Fulham, his impact was immediate and substantial. Linking up well to provide a looping cross for Roque Santa Cruz to head down for the winning goal, which was converted by Derbyshire.
He made his full starting Premier League debut on 27 September, against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, getting an assist providing a cross for a headed goal for Christopher Samba.
On 5 January 2009 he scored a free kick against Blyth Spartans F.C. in the FA Cup giving his team the lead, and on 4 February he assisted 2 goals against Sunderland in the FA Cup.
On 11 April he played in the Premier League for the 1st time since Sam Allardyce took charge of Blackburn.
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On 15 May 2009 Audax Italiano Villanueva signed for Al Shabab, the Emirati club paid Audax about $5 million.
Although he publicly stated he wished to have stayed at Blackburn and tried to established himself in one of the worlds top leagues.