Federico Santander

Federico Javier Santander Mereles (born 4 June 1991) is a Paraguayan footballer who plays as a forward for Italian club Bologna and the Paraguay national football team.

On 19 July 2015, Paraguayan newspaper ExtraPRESS named Santander one of the most expensive player in Paraguay.

Club Career

Guarani, Toulouse, Racing Club, and Tigre

Santander started in the youth divisions of Guarani where he excelled and was part of the under-20 squad that won the international friendly championship held in Valencia, Spain. After winning the U20 tournament with Guarani he attracted the interest of several clubs and had a trial with A.C. Milan. In 2008, at the age of 16, he made his debut with the senior squad of Guarani by scoring a goal in the 5–2 win against Tacuary. On 31 August 2010, he signed to the French Toulouse.

In February 2012, he moved to Racing Club on a three-year contract with a purchase option for 20% of his sports rights.

In July 2012, Santander joined Argentine Primera Division side Tigre on a one-year loan deal despite that Guarani had intentions to bring him back to Paraguay. He was handed the number #24 shirt for the 2012–13 season and debuted in a 2–1 home defeat against Estudiantes de La Plata on 6 August 2012.

Copenhagen

On 14 June 2015, Santander signed a five-year contract with the Danish Superliga team F.C. Copenhagen. He joined the club after completing Copa Libertadores with Guarani. He made his league debut on 2 August 2015 against SonderjyskE making two assist, assisting Thomas Delaney and William Kvist. Three days later, he scored his first goal in a 2–3 defeat against FK Jablonec as Copenhagen failed to qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage. On 16 May 2016, he netted twice to give his club a 2–0 win against FC Nordsjalland which crowned Copenhagen league champions. In his first season in Copenhagen he became the third highest goalscorer with 14 goals and 4 assists.

On 24 August 2

This page also has a version in other languages :  Федерико Сантандер (russian)