Following the completion of the top five leagues in Europe, several clubs have already started their preparations for the 2021-22 season by appointing new managers and signing new players.
Ahead of an exciting new football season, we bring to you all the transfer news and updates from the top five leagues and across the world.
August 31: 12:00 PM: Moise Kean returns to Juventus
Everton forward Moise Kean has returned to boyhood club Juventus on a two-year loan deal, with an obligation to buy if certain criteria is met. The 21-year-old, Bianconeri's youngest-ever debutant, arrives as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
🔙 in ⚪️⚫️!https://t.co/zFjHLDqUGi#WelcomeBackMoise pic.twitter.com/u3UVyAIpMW
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 31, 2021
Kean, who departed Turin for Everton in 2019, was last seen in action with Paris Saint-Germain where he scored 17 times for the Ligue 1 side during his solitary campaign in Paris.
The 21-year-old has won two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia with Juventus, and will be eager to claim more silverware upon his return to the Serie A giants.
August 31: 8:00 AM: Bayern Munich sign Marcel Sabitzer
Bayern Munich have announced the signing of RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer for a reported fee of £13.7m plus add ons. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder reunites with former manager Julian Nagelsmann and Dayot Upamecano.
Tuck in! 🥨🍺😋#ServusMarcel pic.twitter.com/HrR5s7gmcu
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 30, 2021
Sabitzer, who initially joined Leipzig from Rapid Vienna in 2014, made 229 appearances across all competitions for Die Rotten Bullen and registered 52 goals. He becomes Bayern's fourth signing of the summer transfer window after Upamecano, English left-back Omar Richards and former Germany Under-21 goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.
August 31: 2:00 AM: Willian re-joins Corinthians
Brazilian midfielder Willian terminated his Arsenal contract with mutual consent and returned home to join Corinthians as a free agent. The 33-year-old arrives at his boyhood club where he made his professional debut in 2006.
Aqui eu nasci como jogador de futebol.
— Willian (@willianborges88) August 31, 2021
Após 14 anos estou de volta para continuar a escrever minha história no clube que amo.
Vai @Corinthians!!!👊#Willianédotimao #willian #cotinthians #vaicorinthians pic.twitter.com/VrvO8n6X6P
Willian, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer after seven seasons with Chelsea, managed to score once in 37 matches for the north London side across all competitions. The former Chelsea man was earning a reported £190,000 per week - making him Arsenal's second-highest earner at the club - despite having no place in Mikel Arteta's first team this season.
The Brazilian international held constructive talks with the Gunners and agreed to terminate his contract, which had two years left.
August 30: 10:00 PM: Tiémoué Bakayoko returns to AC Milan on two-year loan deal from Chelsea
France midfielder Tiémoué Bakayoko has returned to Italy to join AC Milan on a two-year loan deal from Chelsea, the clubs announced on Monday. The 27-year-old's loan deal with the Rossoneri includes an option to make the move permanent.
✍️ @TimoeB08 ✍️
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 30, 2021
You know the drill 🔙🔴⚫️#SempreMilan #NewPlayerUnlocked pic.twitter.com/OPvvWog4Gf
“AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of Bakayoko from Chelsea FC on a two-year loan, which could turn into an obligation if certain conditions are met,” the Serie A club said in a statement.
The 27-year-old Frenchman moved to Chelsea in 2017 from Monaco, but was sent out on loan to Milan for the 2018-19 season, when he made 42 appearances in all competitions.
August 27, 10:00 PM: Manchester United sign Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United have completed the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus for an initial fee reported to be around €20m plus up to €3m in bonuses. Right until Friday morning, Manchester City was seeming like a possible destination, but Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with Manchester United to complete the reunion.
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“Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical,” read an official statement from the club.
Ronaldo had less than 12 months left on his Juventus contract and Manchester City were reluctant on paying a fee for Ronaldo, who turns 37 next year.
August 23, 10:00 PM: Xherdan Shaqiri ends Liverpool stay to join Lyon
Switzerland playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri has completed a £9.5m move from Liverpool to Ligue 1 side Lyon, the clubs announced on Monday, August 23. The 29-year-old, who joined the Merseysiders from Stoke in a £13m deal in 2018, departs with a record of eight goals and nine assists in 63 appearances across all competitions.
Plenty of memorable moments ⚽️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2021
Best of luck in the future, @XS_11official 👊 pic.twitter.com/dxWcTbV7H8
Shaqiri won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA SuperCup and the FIFA Club World Cup in his three-year association with Liverpool, and leaves after being reduced to a peripheral figure in Jurgen Klopp's squad in the 2020-21 campaign. The Swiss captain has signed a three-year contract with Lyon.
August 20, 11:30 PM: Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale join Arsenal on permanent basis
Norway captain Martin Odegaard, who spent the second half of the 2020-21 Premier League season at Arsenal, has made a permanent switch from La Liga giants Real Madrid for a reported fee of £30m. The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the Gunners, with the option of an extra year.
Welcome høme, Martin Ødegaard 👋🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/OUlG9YGDKj
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021
Odegaard made 20 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last term, and arrives in England after six years with Real Madrid, but making just eight senior appearances in La Liga. With four loan spells away from the Santiago Bernabeu, the Norwegian fell down the pecking order and was finally notified that he won't be a part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans for the latest season.
Arsenal also confirmed the arrival of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United. The 23-year-old, who made his Premier League debut with Bournemouth back in 2016-17, arrives after a solitary campaign with the Blades that saw them suffer relegation.
Signed. Sealed. Delivered.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021
We're right behind you, @AaronRamsdale98! ✊ pic.twitter.com/rp9AZhdnFA
Ramsdale has signed a long-term contract reportedly for an initial fee of £24m, plus £6m in add-ons.
August 18, 6:00 PM: Juventus sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo
Italy midfielder and EURO 2020 winner Manuel Locatelli has joined Juventus from Sassuolo on an initial two-year loan deal, the clubs announced on Wednesday.
𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪? ➡️ 🤲
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 18, 2021
✍️ https://t.co/Ijw91pHjIS
#LocatelliAnnounced pic.twitter.com/AJT368qvJx
The deal, which included an obligation to buy, could become a permanent transfer in June 2023 for a further three years, with the transfer fee set to be around £32m.
The 23-year-old, who originally joined Sassuolo from AC Milan in 2018, was linked with a move to the Premier League with Arsenal vying for his signature. But Locatelli, however, indicated his preference was to remain in the Serie A and is the Bianconeri's first signing of the summer transfer window.
August 17, 8:00 PM: Tammy Abraham leaves Premier League to join Jose Mourinho's AS Roma
England striker Tammy Abraham has completed his £34m transfer from Chelsea to AS Roma, the clubs announced on Tuesday, August 17. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the club that runs until 30 June 2026.
New No. 9⃣ ... 𝙎𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙀𝘿 🔥
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 17, 2021
Welcome to Roma, @tammyabraham! 🏴
#ASRoma | @NBFootball pic.twitter.com/RdxjcL5br5
Abraham, who came up through the ranks at Chelsea and registered 30 goals in 82 games across all competitions for the Blues, will don the number nine jersey. Its previous owner was former Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko, who has replaced Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan following the Belgian's club-record return to Chelsea.
Tammy Abraham will be coached by a familiar face in Jose Mourinho and is Roma's fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Rui Patricio, Eldor Shomurodov and Matias Vina.
August 13, 9:00 PM: Jannik Vestergaard leaves Southampton for Leicester City
Danish defender Jannik Vestergaard has signed for Leicester City in a three-year deal reported to be around £15m. The Danish defender arrives at Leicester after three seasons with Southampton.
#Leicestergaard 🦊👋 pic.twitter.com/kadyQ4DJ9w
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 13, 2021
Vestergaard will link up with fellow Dutchman and Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is said to have convinced the former to sign up for the Foxes.
"I’m very happy and I’m really excited to get going. It’s a special club that has done very well over many years and I think the project is very, very exciting, even from the outside looking in. To be a part of it is a big thing for me," Vestergaard said.
The 29-year-old could make his Leicester City debut as early as Saturday, when the Foxes host Wolves at the King Power Stadium.
August 13, 1:00 PM: Romelu Lukaku re-joins Chelsea in club-record deal
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge after seven years, signing a five-year deal for a club-record fee of £97.5m after two seasons at Inter Milan.
"I came here as a kid who had a lot to learn, now I'm coming back with a lot of experience and more mature," Lukaku said. "I have supported Chelsea as a kid and now to be back and try to help them win more titles is an amazing feeling," the Belgian added.
The fee Chelsea paid to re-sign Lukaku is just short of the British transfer record set by Manchester City earlier this window, when they paid £100m to recruit Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.
In his first spell at Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku Lukaku made 10 appearances without scoring a single goal.
August 11, 9:30 AM: Lionel Messi seals much-anticipated transfer to Paris Saint-Germain
Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain after ending his 21-year association with Barcelona. The Argentine legend, a free agent after his contract expired this summer, has signed a two-year contract with the option of another year.
A new 💎 in Paris!
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021
PSGxMESSI ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/scrp1su9a6
The 34-year-old, who scored a record 672 goals in 778 games and won 35 titles with Barcelona, becomes PSG's fourth free signing this summer after Georginio Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
"I am impatient to start a new chapter of my career in Paris. The club and its vision are in perfect harmony with my ambitions," Lionel Messi said following the official announcement.
"I know how talented the players and staff are here. I am determined to build, alongside them, something great for the club and for the fans. I can't wait to set foot on the Parc des Princes pitch," he added.
August 8, 6:30 PM: Aston Villa sign Axel Tuanzebe on loan
Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe signed a new contract extension with the club that runs until 2023 and moved to Aston Villa on a season-long loan. It will be his second stint with Villa after having been a part of the team which won the promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.
Tuanzebe becomes Aston Villa's fifth summer signing after Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia and Ashley Young. They recently sold club captain Jack Grealish to Manchester City for £100m.
"Axel Tuanzebe will spend the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Aston Villa after agreeing a season-long move to the Premier League club," the club's press release reads.
"The 23-year-old has also signed a new contract at Manchester United, lasting until June 2023 with the option of an additional year's extension.
"Having endured a difficult campaign last time out due to a couple of injuries, the highly-rated centre-back will use this loan as a vital opportunity to assert himself and make an impression.
"Axel will return to the United set-up at the end of the 2021-22 season."
August 7, 12:07 am: Cristian Romero joins Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have completed the signing of Cristian Romero from Atalanta on a five-year deal, with the club splashing €55m (£46.7m) for the 23-year-old defender.
It's time to hear from @CutiRomero2... 🔊 pic.twitter.com/R5IKpojaMB
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 6, 2021
Romero becomes the second most expensive signing in Spurs' history with only Tanguy Ndombele costing (£55m) more. Tottenham will pay Atalanta an initial fee of €50m with the rest being add-ons. Romero won the “best defender” award in Serie A last season and was also a standout performer at the Copa America this year. His arrival comes after Toby Alderweireld moved to Al-Duhail in Qatar last month.
August 6: 7:00 PM: Manchester City seal British record deal for Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish completed his much-anticipated move from boyhood club Aston Villa to champions Manchester City for a record £100 million deal. The English forward has put pen to paper a six-year year deal, and arrives after registering 32 goals and 43 assists in 213 appearances for Villa.
Ready for the next chapter! So proud to have joined the Premier League champions, can’t wait to get started! 💙 pic.twitter.com/snoKdNQSpT
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) August 5, 2021
Grealish inherits the number 10 jersey at City from the now-departed Sergio Aguero, and will link up with fellow English forward Raheem Sterling at the Etihad Stadium.
August 6: 3:00 PM: Aston Villa confirm Bailey, Ings signings
Aston Villa have brought in two attacking reinforcements in winger Leon Bailey and forward Danny Ings, announcing deals for the players on August 4. While Leon Bailey arrives from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, Englishman Ings arrives at Villa Park after three seasons with Southampton.
ℹ️ Leon Bailey has transferred to @AVFCOfficial after 4.5 years in Leverkusen.
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 4, 2021
Thank you for everything @leonbailey and we wish you all the best in your new challenge! ⚫️❤️ pic.twitter.com/jCYiaVpn9K
Checking in. 😍 @IngsDanny pic.twitter.com/nY98eNoBsD
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 5, 2021
Villa have reportedly spent a combined £60 million on their latest arrivals, who are tipped to fill in the void left behind by the imminent departure of club captain Jack Grealish.
July 30: 10:00 PM: Ben White signs for Arsenal
England defender Ben White has joined Arsenal on a five-year deal from Brighton, with an option to extend for a further year. The England defender has become the Gunners' third-most expensive signing of all time, with the transfer estimated at around £50m.
A new city. A new start.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 30, 2021
A new place to call home 🏡 pic.twitter.com/PLADE7lCUu
White is the club's third summer signing, after left-back Nuno Tavares (£8m transfer from Benfica) and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (Anderlecht).
July 27: 5:30 PM: Toby Alderweireld completes transfer to Al-Duhail
Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld has completed a permanent transfer to Qatari side Al-Duhail from Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old, who joined Spurs from Atletico Madrid in 2013, made 236 appearances across all competitions in a six-year spell and was regarded for his partnership with compatriot Jan Vertonghen. The pair registered Tottenham's best defensive record in a Premier League campaign (26 goals conceded) in the 2016/17 season where the Lilywhites finished second.
"It's been an honour to play for Spurs."
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 27, 2021
🎥 Toby's goodbye message. pic.twitter.com/AWWfJAZjcN
Welcome @AlderweireldTob 🇧🇪 👋#AlDuhail ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TcpamH2B7q
— نادي الدحيل ALDUHAIL (@DuhailSC) July 27, 2021
Toby Alderweireld has signed a three-year deal with Al-Duhail.
July 26: 10:00 PM: Tottenham and Sevilla complete Bryan Gil - Erik Lamela swap deal
Tottenham Hotspur has signed young Spanish winger Bryan Gil on a five-year deal from Sevilla, with Argentina winger Erik Lamela moving in the opposite direction as part of the swap deal.
Spurs have reportedly paid £21m for the 20-year-old Gil, who is currently on national duty with Spain at Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Lamela, who signed for Tottenham in 2013, departs after eight years in England where he registered 37 goals in 255 games.
Gracias, agent @sergio_regui 😎
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 26, 2021
Welcome to Spurs, @11BryanGil! pic.twitter.com/S9782r48eI
📍👋 Welcome to Lagos, @ErikLamela!#WeareSevilla #NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/3sIOUJ30Vj
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) July 26, 2021
July 23: 5:30 PM: Jadon Sancho completes Manchester United switch
England international Jadon Sancho has formally completed his much-anticipated transfer to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund. A deal for the 21-year-old, which is estimated to be £73 million, was announced by both clubs at the end of June subject to medicals post UEFA Euro 2020.
This is his home.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 23, 2021
This is where he belongs.
Jadon Sancho is 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.#MUFC x @Sanchooo10 pic.twitter.com/LAIBn7ie7V
"The chance to join Manchester United is a dream come true and I just cannot wait to perform in the Premier League. This is a young and exciting squad and I know, together, we can develop into something special to bring the success that the fans deserve," Sancho told Manchester United's website.
The England winger also thanked Borussia Dortmund for shaping him into the player that he is today. "I’ll always be grateful to Dortmund for giving me the opportunity to play first-team football, although I always knew that I would return to England one day," the 21-year-old added.
“Jadon epitomises the type of player I want to bring to the club, he is a forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United," said Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“Old Trafford will give him the platform he needs to release his untapped talent and perform at the highest level. For a player of his age, Jadon has already achieved a great deal and showed the courage to go and prove himself abroad. We all look forward to welcoming Jadon to the squad as we prepare for the new campaign,” the Red Devils boss added.
Jadon Sancho arrives at Old Trafford with a record of 50 goals and 64 assists in four seasons with Borussia Dortmund and was part of the England team that reached the final of UEFA Euro 2020.
Furthermore, Sancho is now the second most expensive English player of all time behind his new United teammate Harry Maguire.
July 21: 12:00 AM: Everton sign Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic
Everton have confirmed the signings of Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic. While Townsend has joined on a two-year deal, 34-year-old Begovic has signed an initial 12-month contract. Both players arrived as free agents following the end of their contracts with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Welcome, @andros_townsend! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/eWwvhawJKT
— Everton (@Everton) July 20, 2021
Welcome, @asmir1! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/VRV9mKpWSX
— Everton (@Everton) July 20, 2021
Both players come with prior Premier League experience to Goodison Park, while Andros Townsend reunites with manager Rafael Benitez. The pair worked together at Newcastle United and the former Crystal Palace man said it was a 'no-brainer' decision to join the Spaniard at Everton.
July 19: 8:45 PM: Arsenal sign Belgium U-21 international Albert Sambi Lokonga
Arsenal have completed the signing of Belgium U-21 international Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht. The 21-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners.
"It's a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it's going to be my first big move to another country," Lokonga told Arsenal's website.
"It's a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be. In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I'm looking to play in this league and I can't wait to start."
So... Albert? Or Sambi?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 19, 2021
We asked the man himself 👇 pic.twitter.com/ohpQXm2T1W
Although the fee is undisclosed, it is said that the Gunners have spent somewhere around £17.2m for the midfielder. Lokonga joined Anderlecht at the age of 15 and made his first-team debut in December 2017. He went on to make 78 appearances for the Belgian side, scoring three goals.
“Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.
“We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”
July 17: 8 PM: Olivier Giroud ends nine-year England stay to sign with AC Milan
2018 World Cup winner Olivier Giroud has opted for a new challenge as he has sealed a switch to AC Milan from Chelsea. The 34-year-old French centre-forward arrives from England as UEFA Champions League winner and one of the most under-rated strikers in modern football.
Ready to strike 🔥⚽ #NewPlayerUnlocked: @_OlivierGiroud_ 🔴⚫#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/pspvgedNGK
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 17, 2021
Giroud has signed a two-year deal with the Rosssoneri, and will reunite with former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori who earlier completed a permanent transfer to the Serie A giants.
July 15: 11 PM: Ryan Bertrand seals free transfer to Leicester City
English defender Ryan Bertrand has joined Leicester City on a two-year deal, the club announced on Thursday. Bertrand, who spent seven years at Southampton before becoming a free agent, will reunite with Brendan Rodgers who coached him at Chelsea's academy.
#WelcomeRyan! 📝🔵 pic.twitter.com/MYu7vYGSSy
— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 15, 2021
The 31-year-old is the Foxes' third signing of the summer transfer window and comes in with the experience of over 240 games in the Premier League. Bertrand, who started his career at Chelsea, has won an FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League in his career and will could make his league debut against Wolves on August 14.
July 14: 11:30 AM: PSG sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on free transfer
Ligue 1 club Paris St-Germain have completed the signing of Italy national football team goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer.
The 22-year-old, who was adjudged the player of the tournament at UEFA Euro 2020, have signed a five-year deal with PSG after his contract expired at AC Milan.
Buongiorno 🧤#WelcomeGigiopic.twitter.com/ZTpxzdLJTi
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 14, 2021
"I am delighted to be part of this huge club," Donnarumma told PSG's club website. "I feel ready to take on this new challenge and continue to grow here. With Paris, I want to win as much as possible and to bring joy to the supporters."
July 14: 7:00 PM: Rui Patricio signs for Roma, Wolves rope in Sa as his replacement
Jose Mourinho's AS Roma have announced the signing of Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio from Premier League side Wolves. The 33-year-old has inked a three-year deal for a reported fee of £9.8m. Patricio leaves Wolves after three seasons, where he registered 31 clean sheets in 112 Premier League outings.
New No. 1⃣ ... 𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 🔓
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 13, 2021
Welcome to Roma, Rui Patricio! 🇵🇹
#ASRoma | @NBFootball pic.twitter.com/otd2nDvqDc
Rui Patricio will be replaced by compatriot Jose Sa at Wolves, with the 28-year-old custodian arriving from Olympiakos as a two-time league champion. Sa has signed a five-year contract that will see him stay at the Molineux Stadium at least till 2026.
✍️ #SaSigns pic.twitter.com/vGMSV5nn7d
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 15, 2021
July 10: 5:30 PM: Arsenal sign Nuno Tavares as Kieron Tierney back-up
Portuguese U21 defender Nuno Tavares became Arsenal's first signing of the season as he joined the Gunners from Benfica for a reported fee of £8m. Coming through the ranks of the Benfica youth system, Navares has made 25 senior appearances for the club since August 2019.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Nuno Tavares 👋 pic.twitter.com/379qyLXrxG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 10, 2021
With Arsenal struggling to fill the gap left by an injured Tierney last season, Mikel Arteta made a backup left-back his priority this season. With Sead Kolasinac leaving the club soon, Navares is the first signing signalling Arsenal's rebuild under Edu and Arteta.
July 9: 4:30 PM: Michael Olise joins Crystal Palace as Vieira's first signing
Patrick Vieira has begun his Crystal Palace era with the signature of highly-rated midfielder Michael Olise from Reading. The 19-year-old, who won the EFL's Young Player of the Season award in the 2020-21 season, joins the Eagles on a five-year contract after registering seven goals and 12 assists in 46 games last term.
On recruiting Olise, Vieira said, “We have the tools in our football club to make him (Michael Olise) a better player, and we’ve known him quite well because he’s a player the football club have been following for a long time. I think it is important to refresh the squad, to bring some new faces, to bring young talent here, and this is a really good signing for us.”
English-born Michael Olise, who represents France at the international level, started his youth career with Chelsea and Manchester City before moving to Championship side Reading. An academy graduate, Olise made his first-team debut in March 2019 against Leeds United, aged just 17.
July 7: 2:30 PM: Sergio Ramos joins PSG
Paris Saint-Germain have completed their second summer signing in two days, with former Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos arriving in the capital city on a two-year contract.
“I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain," Ramos was quoted as saying by PSG. “This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it’s a day I will never forget. I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players."
𝐒𝐢 𝐒𝐞𝐧̃𝐨𝐫! ✍️
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 8, 2021
🔴🔵 #WelcomeSergio
pic.twitter.com/n6vciD7YxU
“Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible," he added.
Ramos captained Madrid between 2015 and 2021 and during his 16-year stint with the club he won five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League honours.
July 6: 10:00 PM: PSG sign Achraf Hakimi
Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter on a five-year contract. Hakimi was also a target for Chelsea, who matched PSG's €60m bid for the player. BBC claims that the Blues wanted to include Marcos Alonso as part of the deal too. But the personal terms between PSG and the player were agreed more than a month ago.
"I feel a lot of pride today. After my experiences in Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the opportunity to discover a new championship under the colours of one of the most prestigious clubs in the world," said Hakimi after completing the move.
✍️🆕 #WelcomeAchraf@AchrafHakimi
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 6, 2021
❤️💙 #𝑾𝒆𝑨𝒓𝒆𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔 pic.twitter.com/w0TrN39JvI
Fabrizio Romano says that Inter will receive a direct payment of €60m while the other variables include €8m easy add ons, €3m difficult add ons.
"I can't wait to meet my new team-mates, the fans and feel the extraordinary fervour that reigns at the Parc des Princes.
"I share the same very high ambitions with the staff and the players and will do everything to give my club what it expects of me. "
July 6: 4:30 PM: Matteo Guendouzi joins Marseille on loan
Arsenal and Marseille have reached an agreement over the transfer of 22-year-old midfielder Matteo Guendouzi on a season-long loan. The French team has an option to make his deal permanent in the summer of 2022.
Guendouzi spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Hertha Berlin, making 24 appearances in all competitions. The midfielder joined Arsenal from French side Lorient in 2018 for a fee reported to be worth £7m plus bonuses. He went on to make 82 appearances for the Gunners in his two years with the club.
"Matteo Guendouzi has signed up with Marseille for a one-year loan with an option to buy," read an official statement from Marseille.
𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲 🎶
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) July 6, 2021
┈┈┈┈╭╯╰╰╰╰╰╮┈┈┈
┈┈┈┈▕╭▅╮╭▅╮▏┈┈┈
┈▕▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▏┈
╭━╮@matteoguendouzi╭━╮
┃┳╯ ┈est Olympien┈ ╰┳┃
┃┣▏ ┈┈ 🔵⚪️ ┈┈┈▕┫┃
╰▕▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▏╯ pic.twitter.com/trk3WAKEDC
"Guendouzi is a modern midfielder, technically strong and with good passing ability.
"A player of character, he has a good view of the game. These qualities he will undoubtedly be able to share with the Marseille team."
According to Goal, Marseille have made an initial payment of £850,000 for the midfielder, and if they decide to trigger the clause of a permanent move, they will have to pay £9 million.
July 4: 6:40 PM: Patrick Vieira appointed as Crystal Palace manager
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has signed a three-year deal to succeed veteran English manager Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace manager.
The 45-year-old Frenchman, who was last seen as the head coach of Ligue 1 side Nice, emerged as a top candidate to replace Hogdson after former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre pulled out of the race to become Palace manager.
Vieira previously managed Major League Soccer (MLS) team New York City from 2016 to 2018 before a two-and-a-half season stint with Nice, which ended in December 2020.
Proud and excited to be part of this new journey. I want to thank the @CPFC board for their trust & thank the fans for the amount of support I've been getting for the past few days. I can't wait to see you there, back where it all started @premierleague. Come on you Eagles 🦅❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/fa8BO6LZgW
— Patrick Vieira (@OfficialVieira) July 4, 2021
July 2: 4:30 PM: Manchester United sign Tom Heaton
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has completed his move to Manchester United on a two-year deal, the club has officially confirmed.
"Manchester United is delighted to confirm the signing of Tom Heaton," read an official statement from the club.
"The England international goalkeeper has agreed a contract until June 2023, with the option for a further year."
The 35-year-old joins the list of goalkeeper United have at their disposal. This includes David de Gea, Dean Henderson and Lee Grant. Meanwhile, Sergio Romero is set to leave the club in summer.
Heaton started his footballing career with the Manchester United reserve team but failed to make it to the senior squad. He spent several years on loan before finally moving to Cardiff City. Stints at Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa followed before he returned to United.
"For me to have the opportunity to come back after spending 13 great years here as a kid, it's an incredible feeling and I'm really, really excited to get started," said Heaton after completing the move.
"I'm just seeing it as a fantastic opportunity as I still feel I've got an awful lot to give and I've got the bit between my teeth.
"I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running. I feel in great shape and I'm looking forward to coming in to compete with the other goalkeepers."
July 1: 7:15 PM: Jadon Sancho moves to Manchester United
Manchester United have finally confirmed the signing of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for a fee worth £73m. It is said that the 21-year-old will undergo a medical after England's run in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020.
"Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jadon Sancho," the Premier League club said in a statement.
"The signing is subject to contractual terms and a medical, which will be completed after Jadon's involvement in the UEFA European Championship."
It took Manchester United immense bargain to confirm the move as Dortmund initially demanded £85m for the player. Be that as it may, the asking price was lower than their previous price tag of £108m from last summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old will sign a contract until 2026, with an option of extending it to another year. Furthermore, his former club, Manchester City will receive around €13m as part of the deal.
July 1: 1:15 AM: Nuno Espirito Santo signs for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager, with the 47-year-old signing a two-year deal with the north London club.
Spurs were on the lookout for a new manager following the conclusion of the 2020/21 Premier League season. They reportedly held talks with Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Paulo Fonseca, Gennaro Gattuso and Julen Lopetegui, but nothing really materialized. The Lilly Whites opened talks with Santo's camp only last week.
Looking good, boss. 😎#WelcomeNuno pic.twitter.com/SdxXNnsZFs
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 30, 2021
"When you have a squad with quality and talent, we want to make the fans proud and enjoy," Nuno told Spurs' club website.
"It's an enormous pleasure and honour [to be here], there's joy and I'm happy and looking forward to starting work. We don't have any days to lose and we must start working immediately as pre-season starts in a few days."
June 30: 5:00 PM: Rafa Benitez appointed as new Everton manager
Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez returns to Merseyside after 11 years, signing a three-year deal to become the new Everton boss until 2024. The Spanish coach has been out of work after mutually terminating his contract with Chinese Super League (CSL) team Dalian Professional earlier this year.
Our new manager. pic.twitter.com/1FulLthzyF
— Everton (@Everton) June 30, 2021
With this move, Benitez joins William Edward Barclay as the only two football managers to be in the hot seat at Liverpool and Everton.
June 30: 4:30 PM: Leicester City sign RB Salzburg's Patson Daka
Leicester City have announced that RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka will join the Premier League club on a five-year contract. The 22-year-old Zambian international, who netted 68 goals in 125 appearances for Salzburg in all competitions, arrives in the English top-flight league having guided his former employers to four successive league titles.
We can confirm that exciting young striker @PatsonDaka20 will join the Club on a five-year-deal from 1 July, subject to Premier League and international clearance 🦊#WelcomePatson
— Leicester City (@LCFC) June 30, 2021
Patson Daka, who will link up with his new club from July 1, is the latest RB Salzburg star to complete a move to the Premier League, after Liverpool trio Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino.
June 22: 10:05 PM: Hakan Calhanoglu joins Inter from AC Milan
Serie A champions Inter Milan have announced the signing of Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu from city rival AC Milan on a free transfer. The 27-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Inter lasting until 30 June 2024.
📸 | #WELCOMEHAKAN@hakanc10 🇹🇷⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/CrZMVrbR20
— Inter 🏆🇮🇹 (@Inter_id) June 22, 2021
"It's a great thing, we know that Inter are a great team, a great club with a nice atmosphere, and great fans," Calhanoglu said.
"I'm very happy to be here, I'm going on vacation now, but I already have good feelings. We want to win the Scudetto this year too, so we'll see," the midfielder added.
June 19: 10:25 PM: Depay joins Barcelona for free
The Netherlands winger Memphis Depay has joined La Liga giants Barcelona on a free transfer, ending his four-year stay at Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais. The 27-year-old has inked a two-year contract with the Catalan club that will run till the end of the 2022/23 season. Depay is currently involved with Holland in the ongoing EURO 2020, and has scored one goal in two games.
✒️ Heart of a Lion
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 19, 2021
👉💙🦁❤️👈 pic.twitter.com/F7YZw6Y71m
June 17: 4:00 PM: Buffon rejoins Parma
Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has returned to his boyhood club Parma after 20 years. The 43-year-old stopper has signed a two-year deal with the club which he joined as a 13-year-old. He eventually made his Serie A debut with the club at the age of 17.
"He is back where he belongs. He is back home," wrote Parma in a tweet.
He is back where he belongs.
— Parma Calcio 1913 (@1913parmacalcio) June 17, 2021
He is back home.#SupermanReturns 🔙🟡🔵@gianluigibuffon @Kyle_J_Krause @ParmaCalcio_en pic.twitter.com/bh2FO6P8YX
June 10: 6:30 PM: Georginio Wijnaldum signs for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer for a deal that will run until 2024. The Netherlands midfielder is expected to earn €9.5m per season as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Wijnaldum was a long-term target for FC Barcelona and the Catalan club were hopeful of acquiring his services, but a last-minute swoop from PSG, who offered doubled salary, took the deal away from Barcelona.
✍️🆕 #WelcomeGini@GWijnaldum
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 10, 2021
🔴🔵 #WeAreParispic.twitter.com/qHd7Se42cV
"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the transfer of Georginio Wijnaldum," said PSG in an official statement. "Arriving from Liverpool, the Netherlands international midfielder has signed with the club from the French capital until 30 June 2024.
June 7: 5:45 PM: Buendia seals club-record Aston Villa move
Aston Villa have agreed on a club-record 33 million pound deal with Premier League newcomers Norwich City for the transfer of Argentina midfielder Emiliano Buendia. The 24-year-old, who was the Canaries' player of the season as they sealed a return to the English top-flight league, has inked a deal that will keep him with Villa until June 2026.
Aston Villa and Norwich City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Emiliano Buendía.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 7, 2021
The deal, which could rise to 38 million with add-ons, was announced by both clubs on Monday with Buendia set to complete his medicals after Argentina's World Cup qualifying game against Colombia on Tuesday night.
June 3: 4:30 PM: Inzaghi appointed as Conte's successor at Inter
Serie A champions, Inter, have confirmed that former Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi has been appointed as Antonio Conte's successor. The 45-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the club.
"FC Internazionale Milano would like to welcome Simone Inzaghi to the club, as our new first-team coach: the Italian manager has signed a two-year deal with the Nerazzurri," read an official statement from the club.
It was on May 27 that Antonio Conte left Inter by mutual consent after a disagreement with the board. It is said that the former Chelsea coach was asked to cut his wage bill to 15-20 per cent and sell players worth up to £70m in the upcoming transfer window. While Conte has left, the problem still persists, with Inzaghi being at the centre of it.
Striker Romelu Lukaku has attracted interest from across Europe while Lautaro Martinez is yet to sign a new contract. Wing-back Achraf Hakimi is gathering from Paris Saint-Germain too.
June 2: 2:40 PM: Barcelona sign Emerson Royal
Only a day after completing the deal for Eric Garcia, Barcelona completed their third signing for the 2021/22 season by exercising their option to buy for Emerson Royal from Real Betis. The 22-year-old right-back has signed a contract until 2024 with the Spanish club. The Brazil international arrived in La Liga in January 2019 in a joint financial operation between Barcelona and Real Betis. Each club paid half of his transfer fee.
See you on the other side @Emerson_Royal22 😉#EmersonCuler pic.twitter.com/z6H4U3FGCi
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 2, 2021
Barcelona exercised their option to buy the player for €9 million. The 22-year-old right-back made 79 appearances in all competitions for Betis, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists.
June 1: 12:30 PM: Eric Garcia rejoins FC Barcelona
La Liga giants FC Barcelona have confirmed that they have signed back defender Eric Garcia from Manchester City. The 20-year-old player will sign a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season and his buy out clause is set at 400 million euros.
The defender joined the Barça Academy in 2008 and continued his development at La Masia until 2017 when he left for Manchester City where he spent four seasons featuring at U-19, U-23 level and for the first team.
Home is where the heart is. pic.twitter.com/FQRV2L4n4R
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 1, 2021
May 31: 7:30 PM: Sergio Aguero signs for Barcelona
Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has finalised his move to FC Barcelona, joining the Catalan club on a free transfer. The Argentina striker has signed a deal that will keep him with Barcelona until the end of the 2022/23 season. Barcelona have explicitly mentioned that his 'buy out clause is set at 100 million euros'.
AGÜEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/LHIsGVRzsV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) May 31, 2021
Aguero leaves City as a club legend and their all-time top scorer. Since making his Premier League debut in the 2011-12 season, the forward made 390 appearances for the Cityzens, scoring 260. During his 10-year stint with the Manchester club, Aguero won five Premier League titles, six League Cups and one FA Cup. He came close to winning the UEFA Champions League this season, but fell short as City lost to Chelsea 1-0 in the final.
May 28: 09:30 PM: David Alaba joins Real Madrid from Bayern Munich
Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of defender David Alaba on a five-year contract after leaving Bayern Munich. Alaba will be presented as a Real player after Euro 2020, the statement added.
The 28-year-old is leaving Bayern after 431 games in 13 years at the club, where he won 10 German titles and the Champions League twice.
💻 #WelcomeAlaba pic.twitter.com/acS6QDtNkb
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 28, 2021
May 28: 06:30 PM: Massimiliano Allegri returns as Juventus manager after Andrea Pirlo sacking
Juventus have appointed Massimiliano Allegri for the second time after the Turin giants sacked coach Andrea Pirlo following a single season in charge. Allegri won five Serie A titles in a row in his first spell in Turin between 2014 and 2019, as well as lifting the Coppa Italia four times and finishing as Champions League runners-up twice.
Bentornato, Max! ⚪⚫#AllegriIN
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) May 28, 2021
May 28: 05:42 PM: Liverpool sign defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig
Premier League club Liverpool have announced that they have signed centre back Ibrahima Konate from German side RB Leipzig on Friday. The Reds triggered the reported 36 million pounds (50 million dollars) release clause in the 22-year-old's Leipzig contract to seal his switch to Anfield.
Quality and potential 👌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2021
May 27: 07:18 PM: AC Milan sign Lille's Mike Maignan to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma
Serie A giant AC Milan have signed goalkeeper Mike Maignan from French champions Lille on a five-year contract. The 25-year-old is set to replace Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Official Statement: @mmseize ➡ https://t.co/MIwn2c65hp
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 27, 2021
Comunicato Ufficiale: Mike Maignan ➡ https://t.co/hZ2oj2NYzp #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/TSSX56sTX4