Fansided

The 10 best signings of the summer transfer window

By Andrew Beasley

TOPSHOT - Brazilian superstar Neymar poses with a ball during his official presentation at the Parc des Princes stadium on August 4, 2017 in Paris after agreeing a five-year contract following his world record 222 million euro ($260 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain's (PSG).Paris Saint-Germain have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record. Neymar said he came to Paris Saint-Germain for a 'bigger challenge' in his first public comments since arriving in the French capital. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Brazilian superstar Neymar poses with a ball during his official presentation at the Parc des Princes stadium on August 4, 2017 in Paris after agreeing a five-year contract following his world record 222 million euro ($260 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain's (PSG).Paris Saint-Germain have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record. Neymar said he came to Paris Saint-Germain for a 'bigger challenge' in his first public comments since arriving in the French capital. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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VINOVO, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Blaise Matuidi of Juventus at Allianz Stadium on August 22, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Getty Images)
VINOVO, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Blaise Matuidi of Juventus at Allianz Stadium on August 22, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Getty Images) /

9. Blaise Matuidi, Juventus

£18 million from PSG

It must have been very difficult for Blaise Matuidi to leave PSG. A childhood fan of the club, the French international had a fabulous seven years there. Monaco may have won Ligue 1 last season, but Matuidi and PSG picked up the four titles prior to that.

But times move on, and it was getting increasingly difficult for Matuidi to hold down a place in the team. Adrien Rabiot has overtaken him in the pecking order. Which is not to say that he is over the hill either. For £18 million in the current market, the Italian champions may have made one of the best value signings of a crazy summer for transfers.

The 30-year-old should do really well in Italy. Despite his slightly advancing years, he should prosper as the Serie A is slower and more cerebral. A bundle of energy like Matuidi could rampage his way through the division.

He will also provide Max Allegri with another option for Champions League matches. Juve have lost the final twice in the last three seasons. They have only ever been champions of Europe twice, which simply isn’t enough for a club of their stature. Matuidi may provide them with some new impetus.

Speaking at his unveiling (which actually took place after his debut), Matuidi said: “Everybody dreams of winning the Champions League, but it’s not so easy as you are up against many excellent teams.” He’s not wrong, but Matuidi is good enough to potentially make the difference for Juve.

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