[Mercato] Cassano signs on at Samp

Sampdoria have made Antonio Cassano's loan move from Real Madrid permanent, signing the Italy forward on a five-year deal.

The 25-year-old joined the Genoa side on a one-year-loan last summer after one-and-a-half seasons with the reigning Spanish Primera Division champions, and has now signed a contract until June 2013 with the Blucerchiati.

Sampdoria have not paid Madrid a fee for Cassano, but the Merengues will earn an undisclosed fee should the forward leave the Stadio Luigi Ferraris – reportedly between €5m and €7m.

Cassano, who previously spent four-and-a-half years with Roma before moving to the Spanish capital, enjoyed an impressive season with Samp, scoring ten goals in 22 Serie A matches, form that earned him a call-up by Italy coach Roberto Donadoni for UEFA European Championships.

After the two clubs reached the agreement, Cassano's agent Giuseppe Bozzo travelled to Italy's training camp in Coverciano to sign the contract with the Bari-born player.

Source: UEFA