With less than one week to go before the transfer window slams shut, the customs state that some of the deals will be left hanging until the final hours, as the parties involved will continue to pull the rope. Now whether this dangerous strategy bears its fruits remains to be seen based on every case, with some deals reaching their happy endings, whilst others crash and burn. So let’s take a look at five significant Serie A transfers that can still take place before the end of the Calciomercato on the 31st of August.
5- Morten Thorsby to Atalanta
It was only a few weeks ago when Morten Thorsby announced to the world that he’ll be wearing the Sampdoria number 2 jersey in order to raise awareness in the battle against climate change – good luck with that!
But besides the opening defeat against Milan, it appears that the Norwegian might not have another chance to wear his new number – unless Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi is willing to give up his.
The battling midfielder appears set to join Gian Piero Gaperini’s revolution in a deal that would surely make sense for La Dea, who have been lacking a player of his characteristics that can give a breather for Remo Freuler and Marten De Roon in the double pivot.
Atalanta are in talks with Sampdoria for Morten Thorsby. Price tag around €6m for Norwegian midfielder – he’s among Atalanta targets. ?? #Atalanta @DiMarzio @MatteMoretto
No agreement with AZ Alkmaar for Koopmeiners as of now – Dutch club want €18m.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2021
4- Junior Messias between Fiorentina, Torino and Milan
We all knew that Crotone were returning from where they came last season, but this doesn’t mean that the Calabrian club didn’t possess some exciting players amongst its ranks. Whilst Simy took the headlines with his amazing goal-scoring run, Junior Messias was the main source of creativity for the club.
Therefore, the Brazilian deserves another opportunity in Serie A, and he remains one of the rumored transfers for Milan who are still hopping to enhance their attacking midfield department.
Nonetheless, the Rossoneri could be facing some competition from Fiorentina and Torino, who also have some holes to fill within their squads.
? Milan are interested in Junior Messias from Crotone. The two clubs will enter discuss on Tuesday to understand if there are the conditions for a deal
[@DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/8zZXxBTNtG
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) August 22, 2021
3- Miralem Pjanic to Serie A
Following a horrendous first season in Catalunya, things couldn’t get any worse for Miralem Pjanic at Barcelona… Only that it did.
These days, the Bosnian isn’t even present on the bench, as Ronald Koeman simply decided that he doesn’t want anything to do with this guy.
Only one year after his departure, the 31-year-old is linked with a return to Juventus, but such a move seems to complicated from a financial perspective.
Nonetheless, the former Lyon man still has several other suitors in Serie A, with the likes of Inter, Roma, Napoli and Fiorentina all rumored to try their luck in the last days of the transfer market.
With the Blaugrana desperate to get rid of the player, one would expect some sort of a deal to be pulled off.
Barça will negotiate with Fiorentina for the loan of Miralem Pjanic today. The main obstacle right now is that Fiorentina are only willing to pay around 50% of the player's current salary. Barça want them to pay at least 4.5M. The player would accept the move.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/htuVpuLwmm
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 23, 2021
2- Joaquin Correa to Inter
When Simone Inzaghi left Lazio in favor of Inter, perhaps he thought that he would be able to raid his former club now that he’s in charge of the Italian champions. But we all know how this summer turned out to be for the Nerazzurri.
And yet, the new manager might be able to make one signing from the Biancoceleste, as one striker doesn’t seem to be fit into the Maurizio Sarri mold.
With all parties involved apparently hoping to see the transfer go through, Joaquin Correa is expected to be wearing black and blue before the end of the month.
Update: The transfer has been made official on Thursday.
OFFICIAL: Joaquin Correa has signed for Inter ✍️
Reunited and it feels so good ?? pic.twitter.com/ERgDSfPjqP
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 26, 2021
1- Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester City
And finally, we reach the never-ending saga. Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Juventus has been a topic of speculation since the beginning of the summer.
During the same timeframe, his old nemesis Leo Messi won the Copa America, paid a shocking and emotional farewell to Barcelona, before joining PSG. And yet, we’re still unsure of what’ exactly is going on the CR7 front.
The Portuguese was left out of the starting formation in Juve’s Serie A opener against Udinese – or perhaps he asked to be left on the bench as he still seeks a transfer out of the club.
Whatever is the case, the 36-year-old could end up playing for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who are set to miss out of Harry Kane’s signature, in a shocking twist of events, with the negotiations suddenly accelerating in the final hours.
Man City holding talks with representatives of Cristiano Ronaldo and described as being in pole position to sign the forward. Deal not finalised with Juve or Ronaldo at this stage but talks continue. @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/DpYdYze3e6
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) August 26, 2021