With the World Cup engulfing the world of football, clubs in Europe are gearing up for next season. Some top clubs have made some good deals across Europe during or before the Russian extravagance commenced. Some clubs have made major moves to secure a strong squad for next season. The World Cup has offered its fair share of thrills and spills for football around the world that many could have missed out on major transfer moves.
5 Thomas Lemar
Frenchman Thomas Lemar had caught the eye of a number of English clubs including Liverpool and Arsenal and Spanish giants Barcelona. The intense battle for the player’s services had risen a notch and been going on for weeks before Atletico got their man.
With his ability in his left foot and the creative vision he possesses, any striker in the world would be cherishing the prospect of linking up with Thomas Lemar. He is also a massive threat from set-pieces but Lemar also has the ability to make darting runs into the box and take defenders on. Atletico have signed a player suited to their style of play and will be a good signing.
4 Gabi
Atletico Madrid midfielder and former captain, Gabi has left the Spanish club and joined Qatari club Al Saad on a two-year contract, with an option to extend the contract by a year. The Spaniard is leaving the club after 11 years also serving in his final years as the captain. A commanding figure and excellent central midfielder, Gabi has been one of the best midfielders in the world in his prime in his position as a defensive player.
3 Javier Pastore
Roma completed the signing of Argentina attacking midfielder Javier Pastore from Paris St-Germain for £21.8m. The 29-year-old Argentine, a reported target for West Ham, has signed a five-year deal with the Serie A club. Pastore joined PSG in 2011 for a reported £37m and played more than 250 games, winning the domestic treble on three occasions.
“The signing of Javier makes me very happy because we are talking about the sort of player who can excite the fans who he plays for,” said Roma sporting director Monchi.
2 Justin Kluivert
Roma completed the signing of winger Justin Kluivert from Ajax for an initial fee of £15.16m. The 19-year-old, son of former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, has signed a five-year deal with the Serie A club. Kluivert scored 10 goals in 30 appearances last season and won his first senior cap for the Netherlands in March. Kluivert made his Ajax debut in January 2017 and scored his first senior goal just two months later and continued his good rise.
1 Radja Nainggolan
Radja Nainggolan has completed his move from Roma to Inter Milan in a deal worth €38 million with Davide Santon and Nicolo Zaniolo moving in the opposite direction as part of the transfer. The Belgium midfielder, Nainggolan, 30, is reunited with former Roma coach Luciano Spalletti at Inter, bringing an end to a four-and-a-half-year spell with Roma.