We are pleased to announce the signing of highly rated Argentine defender Nehuen Perez on loan from Atletico Madrid.
The arrangement will see the 21-year-old centre-back remain in Udine until 30 June 2022, with an option for another season.
Perez is a strong, skilful, reliable defender who has already accumulated a wealth of experience despite his young age.
Born in Hurlingham, Argentina on 24 June 2000, Nehuen started out as a striker before switching to defence. He came through the youth ranks of Argentinos Juniors and made four senior appearances for them, quickly catching the attention of many of Europe's leading clubs, with Atletico Madrid snapping him up in 2018.
In January 2019 he joined Portuguese outfit Famalicao on loan to acquire first-team experience and immediately established himself as a key figure, playing 26 games with one goal in all competitions in just half a season.
The following season Atletico loaned him out again for more playing time, to fellow La Liga side Granada, and Nehuen went on to make 26 appearances in the league, Copa del Rey and Europa League.
Perez has represented Argentina at U17 level (three times), captained the U20 side at the 2019 U-20 World Cup (15 total appearances and one goal) and has also played nine times for the U23 team (including three at the recent Tokyo Olympics), scoring two goals.
He has been called up to the senior Argentina squad several times by Lionel Scaloni but is yet to make his debut.
Nehuen will wear the No.2 shirt this season.