After a failed stint with Benfica, Bergessio moved back to Argentina and helped San Lorenzo’s title push in last season’s Apertura. This [...]]]> San Lorenzo striker Gonzalo Bergessio signed a four year deal with Ligue Un side St. Etienne. Portugal’s Record reported the news earlier today. The rumored by unconfirmed fee is €6.2 million.

After a failed stint with Benfica, Bergessio moved back to Argentina and helped San Lorenzo’s title push in last season’s Apertura. This season he had started strong with a goal and an assist in San Lorenzo’s opening weekend victory. However, Bergessio’s agent had been publicly stating that the striker wanted to move to Europe. There were rumors of him signing on in Italy before today’s news was announced.

St. Etienne is a near-perfect fit for Bergessio. He is at a reasonably sized club – not small enough to be irrelevant, but also not huge enough to create undo expectations. He will play immediately, as he will be put into the role vacated by Betafimbi Gomis when he was sold to Lyon. The style of play in France suits him, as does the speed. At 25 years old, Bergessio needed a move like this (and needed it now) if he was ever going to springboard to one of the biggest leagues. After failing at Benfica, he wasn’t going to go straight to Italy or Spain’s top divisions.

If he fits in well and can provide double-digit goals over the course of the season, it is not too rash to say Bergessio could be the difference in St. Etienne qualifying for Europa.

For San Lorenzo, this is a big hit, but an expected one. As I’ve started following Argentine football, I’ve learned to expect all players to be sold, whether it’s to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Russia or France. Cashing in on players is particularly important in Argentina, especially right now. Given that Bergession wanted to move, it was bound to happen.

On the pitch, San Lorenzo had to be considered one of the leading contenders in the Apertura (if not the Copa Sudamericana), but now all that changes. If the dependence on Bergession shown by San Lorenzo this weekend is any indication, this is going to be a rough transition.