OFFICIAL: Toulouse Sign Paulo Machado On A Four-Year Deal

After a frustrating campaign, pre-season has proven to be little easier for Saint-Etienne as they have seen Paulo Machado, who spent last season on loan at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, stolen from under their noses by Ligue 1 rivals Toulouse.

Machado was one of the few success stories for the Loire club last season, and his contribution in the Sainte midfield clearly did not go unnoticed by head coach Alain Casanova in the Pink City.

After a relatively lengthy and bitter dispute, Toulouse announced the signing of the former Porto player on Thursday evening, tying him to the club on a four-year deal.

An incredibly versatile midfielder, Machado played in every role across the centre of the field for les Verts last season, although he is most comfortable playing in a central role in a box-to-box fashion.

“I am pleased to have signed with Toulouse,” the 23-year-old told the club’s official site. “I was very worried during my vacation because there were a lot of problems.

“The first contact dates back to the end of the season. Toulouse made me a proposal and I quickly said ‘yes’ to the club after a discussion with my father. I think it's better for my family.”

Something of a set-piece specialist, Machado struck three times in 29 league games last season. Despite this sound record, he will likely find pitch time harder to come by in Toulouse as they already boast a talented midfield, including promising youngster Etienne Capoue and Moussa Sissoko, who have both been linked to some of Europe’s strongest sides over the last year.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com