As many club’s season are finishing, teams are already beginning to make moves for the upcoming summer window. Here are some updates on moves that have become official.
Done Deals:
Neymar:
Neymar has officially signed with Barcelona which finally ends the speculation on one of the most anticipated transfers in recent memory. While Santos is set to receive around 30 million euros for the Brazilian star, Santos only owns 55 percent of Neymar’s rights so the transfer will cost much more. Neymar will add a new dimension to Barcelona’s attack and will be able to play with some of the world’s best players. If all goes right, Neymar will develop to become an proven elite player and take over for Messi down the road.
João Moutinho, James Rodriguez, and Ricardo Carvalho:
The pair of Porto players have signed with French club, Monaco, for around 70 million euros. Who is Monaco? They are the Ligue 2 champions and are being promoted to Ligue 1 and with a billionaire Russian owner, they are not holding back on spending this summer. They have also signed Real Madrid center back Ricardo Carvalho, who has played very little this season. Carvalho is 35 years old and may be past his prime, but as a veteran he can provide much need experience and guidance to a team just being promoted. Expect more moves from Monaco who is linked to two other former Porto players, Hulk and Falcao. PSG may have some trouble defending their Ligue 1 title next season.
Kolo Toure:
Kolo Toure has made the move to Anfield to join Liverpool this summer. Toure will join the club this summer from Manchester City after his contract expires which makes this a very shrewd signing for Liverpool. While Toure may not be an every week starter, he will provide Liverpool with much needed depth in defense. Rumor also has it that Liverpool is also pursuing Schalke defender, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, a Greek international.
Rafa Benitez:
Chelsea’s “interim” manager has found a new team as Chelsea announced that Jose Mourinho will be returning to Stamford Bridge next season. Napoli jumped on the opportunity and signed Benitez. While Benitez was heavily criticized during his time as manager for Chelsea, he did lead Chelsea to a second European title in two years with a Europa League title. Napoli, who had a great year in Serie A, will benefit greatly from this hire, and if they can retain the core of their team this summer will be a force to be reckoned with next season in Italy.
Other Potential Moves:
Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid) to Monaco
Luis Suarez (Liverpool) to Real Madrid
Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) to Juventus
Hulk (Zenit) to Monaco
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) to Manchester United
David Villa (Barcelona) to Tottenham Hotspurs
Marquinhos (Roma) to Barcelona
Joga Bonito 