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RICARDO CALAFIORI, Italian defender arrives via the auction
DESPITE THE CLUB HAVING A SUBDUED AND QUIET OFF SEASON, MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE CONFIRMED THE CLASSIC ONE IN AND ONE OUT FROM THE AUCTION WHERE HIGHLY RATED ITALIAN RICARDO CALAFIORI HAS SIGNED FOR UNITED. THE DEFENDER HAS BEEN SEEN AS ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST TALLENTS TO COME IN VIA THE FORMAT. UNITED PIPPED JUVENTUS IN THE BIDDING PROCESS WHICH HAS HAD A KNOCK ON EFFECT TO ONE PLAYER, WITH JOAO CANCELO NOW SET TO DEPART THE CLUB WITH A DEAL AGREED IN PRINCIPLE.
United had been looking to refresh their squad whilst maintaining a long term balance and steady financial structure. The auction and stadium renovations had been high on the clubs priorities, but with the club missing out on the title by 1 point and a dismal showing in the FA cup final, some thought the club may go for a full restart. Young goalkeeper Oliver Kahn signing his apprentice deal, looking like a viable long term replacement to season captain Jan Oblak, the club uncharacteristically agreed the sale of Anthony Gordon to Real Madrid, where Raheen Sterling came in the other direction, and the controversial Federico Valverde also departed for a more experienced player.
The summer looked like a complete U-Turn to previous dealings, but the signing of the Italian has quashed any further talk of experience being on the agenda with the club insisting all business has been down to long term financial benefits for the club, whilst looking to improve on last seasons campaign.
Steve Outten confirmed there was no one else available to represent the value of Calafiori, and his signing is a complete "No brainer"
"We've been working very differently to normal for sure but the way we've done our work this preseason has been very pleasing. The club has invested well and we're extremely happy with the work we've done. Ricardo is the icing on the cake for sure. He's just too good to turn down, and players of his abilities don't come around very often. We got a bargain deal on the player too so it's 100 percent money well spent.
"We can't wait to get him on the pitch. He'll just walk straight into the team he's that good and he's perfect for the current ilk and mould of player we have here at Manchester United. It was a no brainer, simple decision and we just can't wait to get going."
One player who wont have the same luxury, the aforementioned Joao Cancelo who handed in a transfer request last season after coming under scrutiny of the clubs supporters. The defender was close to agreeing a deal with Al Hilal where the Saudi club looked set to meet the minimum contract terms, but last minute a new offer in England has seen the Portuguese star need not move too far away, with Blackburn Rovers moving in quickly in a deal which involved Angel Correa.
Outten didn't to comment to much on Cancelo and the immanent sale, other than confirming the deal is 90% done and a matter of finalising paperwork. Many had expected Nacho to depart but the club are looking set to retain the Spaniard due to Cancelo's departure. There is some talk that Raheem Sterling could be a makeweight later in the season with some sections of the clubs fans unsure a former Liverpool and Manchester City star should've been brought in, and alleged talks with clubs already taking place.
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