The 0-2 defeat to Spurs was not only Frankfurt’s farewell to the Champions League, but also Aurelio Buta’s last game in an SGE jersey. The 28-year-old is moving to FC Copenhagen.
After almost exactly three years, Aurelio Buta was back in the starting lineup in the Champions League for the first time on Wednesday evening in Frankfurt’s last home game in the competition for the time being. Given the meaningless game, which was lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, it was perhaps a farewell gift from interim coach Dennis Schmitt. Less than 48 hours later, FC Copenhagen announced the signing of the full-back. “I am delighted that we have now been able to sign a high-quality player for the position of right-back,” said Sune Smith Nielsen, sporting director of the Danish double winners.
This was in response to the long-term injury to Rodrigo Huescas, who suffered a serious knee injury in November during an away game at Qarabag Agdam and will be out for the rest of the season. As the club officials expect the Mexican to return in the summer, the new signing only signed a contract until the end of the season.
Buta scored on his SGE debut
Denmark is already the fifth country in which the 28-year-old has played in his professional career. He previously played for Benfica Lisbon in his native Portugal, Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Stade Reims in France and, most recently, Eintracht.
Buta made 71 competitive appearances for SGE, scoring four goals, including on his debut in January 2023 in a 3-0 win over FC Schalke. “Aurelio has always been a reliable team player for us and has shown great professionalism in his commitment to the team. Against this background, we have agreed to his request for a new sporting challenge,” said sporting director Timmo Hardung.
His former protégé will wear the number 17 jersey in Copenhagen, which is currently fifth in the league, far behind expectations. “Both the club and the city are well known throughout Europe, and I’ve heard so many good things about them,” Buta explained.