Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was confirmed by the English giants on Tuesday as Premier League clubs scrambled to strengthen before the close of the transfer window and was, arguably, the herald of the deadline day news.
United announced on Friday a deal had been struck with Juventus to bring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Old Trafford.
The Portugal captain, 36, scored 118 goals in 292 games during his first spell at United, winning his first Ballon d’Or and Champions League title, as well as three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups.
“This is absolutely 100 per cent the stuff that dreams are made of,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram.
“Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United. The years I spent in this club were absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.”
Ronaldo’s return has already had a knock-on effect with United winger Daniel James joining Leeds for a reported £25 million.
The Wales attacker has started two of United’s three Premier League games so far this season, but was expected to struggle for game time once Ronaldo arrived and Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani returned to full fitness.
James was on the verge of joining Leeds in January 2019 from Swansea before a deadline day deal collapsed.
Griezmann loan return to Atletico Madrid
La Liga champions Atletico Madrid re-signed forward Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona on loan.
Two years ago, the France international made the move the other way after Barca paid his £107m buy-out clause.
But the 30-year-old’s time at the Nou Camp has been a disappointment as he scored 35 goals in 102 games and only won the Copa del Rey.
He would be the 11th player to leave financially-struggling Barcelona this season, including Lionel Messi.
Camavinga signs for Real Madrid
Real Madrid signed France midfield prodigy Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes.
Real have been trying to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain but pundits have hailed the move for Camavinga as another exciting French talent heading to the Spanish capital.
Camavinga, 18, has been capped three times by France and has signed a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Leipzig sign teen talent Moriba
RB Leipzig signed Spanish teenager Ilaix Moriba from Barcelona on a five-year contract as a replacement for Marcel Sabitzer, their captain who joined Bayern Munich on Monday.
Reports suggest Leipzig have paid €15 million plus bonus fees for the 18-year-old central midfielder, who made 18 appearances for Barcelona last season.
Tottenham sign right back Emerson
Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of right back Emerson Royal on a five-year contract from Barcelona, who said Spurs had paid a fee of €25 million for the 22-year-old Brazil international.
Emerson moved to LaLiga in June 2019 from Atletico Miniero in the Brazilian top tier, initially joining Real Betis on loan before coming back to Barcelona at the end of last season.
Emerson featured in all three of Barcelona’s opening league games this season and was part of the Brazil squad that lost to Argentina in the Copa America final in July.
He becomes the fifth signing for Spurs in the current transfer window following the arrivals of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, winger Bryan Gil, defender Cristian Romero and midfielder Pape Sarr.
Spurs have won their opening three Premier League games and sit top of the table. They travel to Crystal Palace on 11th September after the international break.
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