Transfer season roundup (July 6, 2019-July 14, 2019)
July 14, 2019
Maxi Gomez
Celta Vigo to Valencia
The Celta Vigo forward has joined Valencia for a transfer fee of 14.5 million euros. Forward Santi Mina (permanent transfer) & defender Jorge Saenz (two-year loan deal) will go from Valencia to Celta as part of the deal.
The 22 year old Uruguayan has signed a 5 year contract until 2024. His release clause has been set at 140 million euros.
The player is a youth product of Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting and played 52 games for the club between 2015-17.
La Liga club Celta Vigo signed him for 4 million euros in 2017. He scored 31 goals in 75 appearances for the club between 2017-19.
Gomez exemplifies the target man ethic of a Uruguayan striker. He is skilled at hold up play, an able attacking anchor and can deliver good long balls. He has often been compared to compatriot Luis Suarez and was courted by West Ham before signing for Valencia.
“It’s really nice to be able to play in the Champions League. I’ve never done that before, and from a young age I’ve always dreamt of playing in the Champions League and La Liga,” Gomez said.
July 13, 2019
Nicolo Barella, 22 years old
Cagliari to Inter Milan
12 million euros loan fee plus 25 million euros buyout after the next season
5 year contract until 2024
July 12, 2019
Antoine Griezmann
Atlético Madrid to Barcelona
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has joined FC Barcelona for a transfer fee of 120 million euros.
The French player has signed a five year contract until 2023 with a release clause of 800 million euros.
In his youth, Griezmann was not signed by any French club due to his slight frame. The La Liga club Real Sociedad signed him when he was 14.
Counterparts Atletico Madrid signed him for 30 million euros in 2014. In Madrid, manager Diego Simeone molded him into an all-rounded player with a relentless defensive workrate, the ability to conduct play as anchor, strong passing ability and delivering good long shots.
The 28-year-old forward won 3 trophies during his 4 year stint at the club, including the 2018 UEFA Europa League.
He was an integral part of the squad that finished as a runner-up in the 2016 UEFA Champions League, and placed 3rd in the Ballon d’Or awards that year.
Griezmann was also a key part of France’s 2018 World Cup win which saw them defeat underdogs Croatia in the final. On joining Barcelona, he said, “I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s (Messi) like on a day-to-day basis, in training. Playing next to him will be an incredible joy,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to working with my new team-mates and with the boss (Ernesto Valverde), and playing at the Camp Nou and hopefully winning a lot of things,” he added.
Joachim Andersen, 23 years old
Sampdoria to Olympique Lyon
Fee of 24 million euros with up to 6 million euros in bonuses
3 year contract until 2022
July 9, 2019
Pau Lopez
Real Betis – AS Roma
The Real Betis player has joined AS Roma for a transfer fee of 23.5 million euros.
The 24 year old Spanish goalkeeper has signed a 5 year contract until 2024.
A youth product of La Liga club Espanyol, Lopez made his senior club debut in 2014 and played 78 games for the club across two stints between 2014-18. He was sent on loan to Tottenham for the 2016-17 season but failed to make an appearance in any game.
He was snapped up by Real Betis on a free transfer last season, and made 35 appearances for the club, conceding 49 goals.
Lopez and earned plaudits for his ability to play the ball out from the back, concentration and his penalty saving ability.
Lopez said, “This is a big step forward for me in my career. I am delighted by the confidence this great club has shown in me: I feel ready to take on this exciting new challenge.”
July 8, 2019
Youri Tielemans
Monaco to Leicester City
The Monaco player has joined Leicester City for a transfer of 45 million euros.
The 22 year old Belgian midfielder has signed a 4 year contract until 2023.
The player is a youth product of the Belgian club Anderlecht and played 185 games for the club between 2013-17. He won two Belgium Pro League titles in his stint with the club.
The exciting young talent joined Monaco for 26 million euros in 2017.
As Monaco was struggling in the 2018-19 season, Tielemans was sent on loan to Leicester, where he finally turned his fortunes around and earned plaudits for his ability to deliver key passes, through balls and his long shot abilities.
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said, “It’s an incredibly exciting time for (Leicester City) to be able to bring players of Youri’s quality.”
Tyrone Mings, 26 years old
Bournemouth to Aston Villa
Fee of 22.3 million euros with up to 7.2 million euros in bonuses
3 year contract until 2022
July 7, 2019
Renan Lodi
Athletico Paranaense to Atletico Madrid
The Athletico Paranaense player has joined Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee in the region of 25 million euros.
The 21 year old Brazilian left-back has signed a 6 year contract until 2025.
The player is a youth product of Brazilian club Athlético Paranaense and played 49 games for the club between 2016-19. He won the 2018 Copa Sudamericana with the club.
Football experts have described him as being similar to Real Madrid left-back Marcelo. He has been praised for his strong attacking instincts, often occupying the space of a winger but is also known for his strong defensive skills.
“I’m very happy to be here and arrive at a big club. I’m very happy to be able to work alongside (Diego) Simeone, he is one of the best coaches,” Lodi said.
July 6, 2019
Theo Hernandez
Real Madrid to AC Milan
The Real Madrid player has joined AC Milan for a transfer fee of 20 million euros.
The 21 year old French left-back has signed a 5 year contract until 2024.
A product of the Atletico Madrid youth academy, he was a highly-rated youth player before signing for Real Madrid for 24 million euros in 2017. In the 2017-18 season, he won four trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup
He is the youngest defender in the La Liga to achieve 50 appearances.
But a disappointing loan at Real Sociedad last season him being excluded from the team’s starting squad, and led to Real Madrid deciding to sell the player.
“I’ll give my very best for this club. AC Milan is a great club – that is why I have come here, to reach the very top and win the Champions League with the Rossoneri,” Hernandez said.
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