The World Cup seems to be the only news going on football. But, make no mistake about it, clubs are actively gearing up for next season.
Here are seven major moves that have happened so far during World Cup month.
Radja Nainggolan: Radja Nainggolan has completed his move from Roma to Inter Milan in a deal worth €38 million. Davide Santon and Nicolo Zaniolo moved in the opposite direction as part of the transfer. The Belgium midfielder is now reunited at Inter with former Roma coach, Luciano Spalletti. Because the former Cagliari midfielder still had three years left on his contract, his move came as a surprise. But it ended up being a good deal for both clubs.
Radja Nainggolan (photo, SportsJoe)
Justin Kluivert: Roma signed winger Justin Kluivert from Ajax for an initial fee of £15.16m. The 19-year-old, who’s the son of former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, signed a five-year deal with the Serie A club. Kluivert scored 10 goals in 30 appearances last season and, in March, won his first senior cap for the Netherlands. Kluivert made his Ajax debut in January 2017 and scored his first senior goal just two months later. In signing Kluivert, Roma beat out other clubs across Europe.
Gabi: Atletico Madrid midfielder and former captain, Gabi, has left the club to join Qatari club, Al Saad. It’s a two-year contract with an option to extend the contract by a year. Gabi, who left Atletico after 11 years, is a commanding figure and one of the world’s best midfielders. His loss is a huge blow to Atletico Madrid.
Thomas Lemar: But Madrid didn’t stand still. They secured the services of Frenchman Thomas Lemar, who had also caught the eye of a number of English clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as Spanish giant, Barcelona. The intense battle for his services had been going on for weeks before Atletico got their man from AS Monaco. Lemar’s gifted left foot and creative vision makes him an outstanding striker and cherished teammate. He’s currently playing with the French World Cup team.
Javier Pastore: Roma has completed the signing of Argentina attacking midfielder, Javier Pastore, from Paris St-Germain for £21.8m. The 29-year-old Argentine, who was a reported target for West Ham, 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, including 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.
Lee Grant (photo, Transfer News Central)
Lee Grant: Manchester United recently announced the surprise signing of Lee Grant (from Stoke City) to a two-year deal. Lee Grant was a youth-team goalkeeper at Watford before joining Derby County, where he made his senior debut during the 2002/03 season. Spells at Burnley and Leeds preceded his move to Stoke City, a team he initially joined on loan. In October 2016, Grant produced a ‘Man of the Match’ performance at Old Trafford by holding United to a 1-1 draw. In the next meeting between the sides, Grant prevented the Reds from scoring until the 93rd minute–when legendary Wayne Rooney made club history by scoring his record 250th goal.
Wayne Rooney: Everton and Wayne Rooney reached an agreement that enables Rooney to join DC United on a permanent transfer. The decision to move abroad didn’t come easily and it came as a shock to the footballing community–even though rumors had been circulating for years about Rooney’s eventual move to America. Even though Rooney will take his play to the other side of the Atlantic, his footprint is firmly imprinted on British football and lore. During his career, Rooney scored 208 Premier League goals (Everton and Manchester United combined), making him the second highest goalscorer in Premier League history.
