Juan Manuel Vargas

Juan Manuel Vargas is a twenty-two-year-old Peruvian international footballer. His position is defender.

Peruvian football player who plays in the wing, in the defense, or in the midfield, in both offensive and defensive positions. Although typically labeled as a defensive player, he impresses with his ability to dribble the ball and make remarkable shots at the goals.

'El Loco' Vargas got his start in the popular Peruvian team Universitario de Deportes where he quickly earned a main spot in the team by 2004, given his great play and his crowd-pleasing goals at key moments. He also earned a spot in the Peruvian national team roster. In 2005 he transferred to Argentine team Colón de Santa Fe, where he has also earned a spot in the starting line-up and the admiration of his coaches. In 2005 Boca Juniors became so impressed with the player that they bought 10% of his pass.

In August, 2006, he received offers from Calcio Catania of Italy and Portsmouth F.C. from England. It was reported that Portsmouth F.C. are interested in signing him for a reported $2 million, as part of the plan of new owner Alexandre Gaydamak to be "the next Chelsea F.C.", after his fellow countryman and Newcastle winger Nolberto Solano advised Harry Redknapp to sign him. He trained with the club for a few weeks, but the offer fell through for various reasons. He thus signed for Catania instead for 4 years.