By Steve Mitchell (@barafundler)
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich to Manchester United, cost €18 million
The 30-year-old German international midfielder has had a glittering career. Eight German league titles, seven German Cup successes and a Champions League winners medal with Bayern Munich, plus a World Cup winner from Brazil 2014. He seems the perfect fit in a Manchester United team that has been missing the physical edge in midfield since the departure of Roy Keane. A legend in Germany, a hero to the fanatical Bayern Munich supporters, coach Louis van Gaal may just have pulled off the signing of the summer for the Red Devils.
Geoffrey Kondogbia – Monaco to Inter Milan, cost €30 million
Inter coach Roberto Mancini has spent big on the 22-year-old French midfielder but believes he is worth every penny. Pinched from under the noses of their city neighbours AC Milan, Kondogbia is powerfully built for someone at such a young age. Inter need a vast improvement on last year’s performances and majority shareholder Erick Thohir demands a top four finish. Kondogbia will be the fulcrum around which the new look Inter will be constructed.
Carlos Bacca – Sevilla to AC Milan, cost €30 million
Just like their city rivals, AC Milan alsoneed a swift return to the Champions League. Billionaire Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol has pumped some much needed capital into the club and new coach SinišaMihajlović immediately identified the need for a world class striker. 28-year-old Colombian international Carlos Bacca joins after a wonderful season in Spain helping to guide Sevilla back into the Champions League. 34 goals in two seasons at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán made him one of this summer’s hottest properties and he now has the challenge of firing his new employers back into Europe’s premier club competition.
Jackson Martinez – Porto to Atletico Madrid, cost €35 million
Another Colombian international striker on the move is 28-year-old Jackson Martinez. Most of Europe’s major powerhouses were keen to get his signature but in the end he opted for Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Three incredible seasons at Porto were he netted 66 times, propelled Martinez to international stardom. The Spanish giants needed a new focal point to lead their attack; they now have one of the best in the business.
Petr Čech – Chelsea to Arsenal, cost €15 million
An experienced goalkeeper of immense quality, Petr Čech has swapped West London for North London in a bid to help Arsenal claim their first league championship title since 2004. The 33-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho last season, thanks to the outstanding performances of Belgian international Thibaut Courtois. Now he has a chance to resurrect his Premiership career at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, in a position that the Gunners have struggled to successfully fill since the retirement of David Seaman.]]>
