Hellas Verona have announced the signing of Banfield striker Juan Manuel Cruz.

Cruz is the son of former Inter Milan and Argentina striker Julio Cruz.

Verona announced today: "Hellas Verona FC announces that it has acquired the sporting performances of striker Juan Manuel Cruz, who has signed a contract with the yellow-blue club until 30 June 2027.

Born in Buenos Aires on 19 July 1999, Cruz moved to Banfield in 2017.

"In 2019, the Argentine striker signed his first professional contract and was added to the first team halfway through the 2019/2020 season.

"Cruz made his debut on 19 March 2021 in a match won against Lanùs, immediately winning the 'Southern Classic', and scored his first professional goal on 28 July 2021 in a Primiera Divisiòn Argentina match against Uniòn Santa Fe. In the last two seasons the striker has made 73 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.

"Hellas Verona FC extends a warm greeting to Julio Manuel Cruz, wishing him a future in the yellow and blue shirt full of satisfactions, both personally and as a team."