Serie A
It was a busy transfer window for many Serie A clubs. Here is a look at the best transfers of the summer as clubs across Italy looked to strengthen their squads.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The biggest transfer of the summer saw Cristiano Ronaldo move from Real Madrid to Juventus for €100 million. Ronaldo may be 33-years-old but proved last season that he is still a world class player. Juventus are desperate to win the Champions League again and signing Ronaldo could help them achieve that goal.
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain moved on loan to AC Milan from Juventus to make room for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine scored 16 Serie A goals in 30 games last season. Higuain has been one of the best strikers in Serie A history and will give Milan a much needed attacking threat.
Justin Kluivert
Kluivert is one of the most exciting young players in Europe. The son of former Dutch striker Patrick, Justin signed for Roma from Ajax for an initital €17.25. Kluivert scored ten goals in 30 appearances for Ajax last season. He is a player who has the potential to light up Serie A.
Fabian Ruiz
The 22-year-old midfielder joined Napoli from Real Betis for €30 million and was instrumental in securing European football last season for the Spanish side. He possesses superb vision and loves to drive forward at defenses. Ruiz is an ideal replacement for Jorginho who was sold to Chelsea in the summer.
Mattia Caldara
Bought from Juventus as part of the Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Bonucci swap deal. The new AC Milan defender has the potential to be one of the best in the world. The 24-year-old could lead a formidable central defensive pairing alongside fellow Italian Alessio Romagnoli.
Simone Verdi
Napoli paid Bologna €25 million to sign Simone Verdi. The 26-year-old Italian has been tipped for great things since the age of 17 and looks like he is finally filling his potential. He has scored 16 goals in 62 games for Bologna. It will be interesting to see how he fairs in front of the demanding Neapolitan crowd.
Stefan DeVrij
One of the best defenders in Serie A last season, DeVrij controversially joined Inter after his contract expired. In his last game with Lazio, he gave away a penalty against Inter which helped the Nerazzurri reach the Champions League. He will help sure up Inter’s defense and has already scored for his new club against Torino.
Sime Vrsalijko
Signed on loan by Inter from Atletico Madrid, Vrsalijko was one of the best fullbacks at the World Cup. He joins compatriots Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic at the San Siro. Inter have the option to buy the Croatian for over €20 million.
Alban Lafont
Lafont is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. He made his debut aged just 16 for French side Toulouse. Signed for just €8.5 million by Fiorentina, he could be one of the buys of the transfer window. A great shot stopper with sharp reflexes he will be a great signing for La Viola.
Javier Pastore
Roma beat Premier League side West Ham to the signature of Javier Pastore. The 29-year-old is the ideal replacement for Radja Nainggolan who was sold to Inter. Elegant and technically advanced attacking midfielder who can excite the fans.
Lautaro Martinez
The Argentine striker signed for Inter in a deal worth €22.7 million. The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young strikers in world football. Martinez scored 13 goals in 21 appearances for Racing in Argentina’s Primera. It was a real coup for Inter to sign Martinez, fending over interest from Real and Atletico Madrid.
Steven N’Zonzi
Bought from Sevilla for €30.6 million the French midfielder will add extra defensive cover for Roma’s midfield. N’Zonzi has signed a four-year contract and should perfectly complement Javier Pastore in Roma’s new look midfield.
Leonardo Bonucci
Bonucci returns to Juventus after a year’s stint at AC Milan. He may be 31-years-old, but Bonucci is still one of the best defenders in the world. The Italian will be part of a formidable back line including Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli. Didn’t have a great year at Milan but will be aiming to get back to his best.
Joao Cancelo
The 24-year-old fullback joined Juventus from Valencia in a deal worth €40.4 million. Cancelo has signed a five-year deal with the Italian champions. The Portuguese can also play on the wing and will give Juventus extra dimension both in attack and defense.
Radja Nainggolan
Bought from Roma the Belgian midfielder will give Inter’s midfield an extra dimension. Nainggolan has been one of the best midfielders in Serie A over the last couple of seasons. He will be looking to prove a point having missed out on a World Cup spot.
