Argentine midfielder Cuello joins Athletico Paranaense

RIO DE JANEIRO - Highly rated Argentine midfielder Tomas Cuello has joined Athletico Paranaense after parting ways with Atletico Tucuman, the Brazilian club said on Thursday.

The 21-year-old agreed to a four-year deal reportedly worth $2.5 million, making him the most expensive signing in Paranaense's 99-year history.

"I'm looking forward to starting training and making myself available to play," the playmaker said. "I hope to stay here for a long time and help the club win trophies."

Cuello, who has represented Argentina at youth level, made just 19 appearances for Atletico Tucuman before being loaned out to Brazil's Bragantino, where he spent the past two seasons.

Paranaense earned a place in this year's Copa Libertadores - South America's top club competition - by winning the 2021 Copa Sudamericana title, the local equivalent of the Europa League.