In Serie A, spending has returned to past levels. This is the summary of the closing of the transfer market, which took place at midnight today, placing our league in second place in Europe for financial movement, just behind the English league.
This session saw Juventus topping the list of expenditures, according to Transfermarkt figures, with over 160 million euros spent compared to 103 million in earnings. Second is Napoli with 150 million (and only 11.5 in incoming transfers), while Atalanta stands on the third podium step with 96.90 million (but a significant 114.95 in incoming transfers). Following are Roma, Milan, Inter, Fiorentina, and all the others.
The news of the day is the (remarkable) failed transfer of Victor Osimhen, who, despite the allure from Arab and English clubs, remained in Naples – where he will likely stay out of the squad, at least, until January. Unless the Arabs (whose transfer window closes in two days) try again.
The market opened on July 1, right in the middle of the European Championship. Many deals at the start and several in its final phase, with the last fireworks happening last night.
As mentioned, the Bianconeri spent more than anyone: Koopmeiners (from Atalanta for 54.70 million), Douglas Luiz (from Aston Villa for 51.50 million) and Khépheren Thuram (from Nice for 20.60 million) were the most expensive signings. Also joining are Juan Cabal, Nico Gonzales, Francisco Conceiçao, goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, and Pierre Kalulu. For Thiago Motta’s team, strong moves were made with Nicolò Savona and Samuel Mbangula (both scored in the first two matches), coming from Juve Next Gen, the second team competing in Serie C. Departures include Matias Soulé to Roma, Huijes to Bournemouth, Iling-Junior to Aston Villa, Kean to Fiorentina, and especially Chiesa to Liverpool.
Napoli “gifts” Lukaku to Conte. The Belgian striker arrived from Chelsea for 30 million, adding to key midfield signings McTominay (from Manchester United) and Gilmour from Brighton (signed right at the end of the market). For the Salerno coach, new arrivals include defenders Buongiorno and Rafa Marin, and wingers Spinazzola and especially Portuguese David Neres. But the most sensational news, as mentioned, is Victor Osimhen’s continued presence with a salary of over ten million annually.
Atalanta also had a great market, earning 60 million from the sale of Koopmeiners to Juve and providing coach Gasperini with players like Zaniolo, De Ketelaere (redeemed), as well as Samardzic, Bellanova, Sulemana, Brescianini, Retegui, Kossounu, and a versatile player like Cuadrado. At the last minute, they also sold goalkeeper Musso to Atlético Madrid.
Among the market queens, keep an eye on the newcomer Como, coached by former star Cesc Fabregas: Sergi Roberto, Varane, Reina, Belotti, Nico Paz, and Dossena are just some of the signings made by the Lariana management.
Milan strengthens with Emerson Royal, Morata, Fofana, and Jimenez, while transferring Saelemaekers to Roma in exchange for striker Abraham.
The Giallorossi, in turn, have made three other signings: striker Dovbyk, winger Soulé, and midfielders Koné and Le Fée.
Inter slows down a bit, facing economic problems. After redeeming Frattesi, Carlos Augusto, and Arnautovic, that old fox Marotta also signed Zielinski and Taremi on free transfers. At the end, the defender so desired by Simone Inzaghi, Palacios, arrives.
Fiorentina moved well; after losing Milinkovic Savic, they brought on board the former Manchester United goalkeeper, along with Kean, Gudmudsson, Colpani, Adli, and, at the last minute, Cataldi and Bove.
On the other hand, Lazio had a poor market; after losing Immobile, Luis Alberto, and Felipe Anderson, they only redeemed Guendouzi, Tchouna, and Noslin. The loan of Dia and the free agent Castrovilli do not seem to fill the gaps.
Bologna is dismantling: after losing coach Thiago Motta, the Dutch Zirkzee leaves the Emilian city seeking fortune at Manchester United, and Calafiori also heads to the Premier League, joining Arsenal. Incomings include Dallinga, the most expensive signing, Miranda and Holm from Spezia, and later Cambiaghi, Pobega, and Iling Junior.
Meanwhile, yesterday officially marked the start of the third round of the league: in the evening, Inter’s resounding home victory of 4-0 over Atalanta followed the afternoon coup by Torino away at Venice. Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri crushed the Bergamaschi with an own goal by Djimsiti, an incredible goal from Barella, and a double from Thuram, in a game that was practically one-sided. Therefore, Inter confirms its status as the team to beat this year as well.
Torino, under Vanoli, also had a great start, being the true surprise of this start to the season. The Granata today stands at seven points, thanks to a victory just four minutes from the end at the “Penzo” stadium in Venice: a header from Coco is sufficient to temporarily place them at the top of the standings.
Today, Bologna-Empoli and Lecce-Cagliari will be played at 18:30, while in the evening Napoli-Parma and, above all, the big match Lazio-Milan will take place. Tomorrow evening it will be Juventus-Roma’s turn, closing the third round.
Rome, August 31, 2024
Michele Pilla, UILPA Communication Office