SIGNINGS OF THE SEASON CONT


8. HENRIKH MKHITARYAN (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, €42 million)

 His Manchester United career got off to a slow start, but Mkhitaryan gradually evolved into one of Jose Mourinho's most reliable performers. The 28-year-old's impact was felt most in the successful Europa League campaign, in which he scored six goals in 11 games, including one in the final against Ajax.

7. DAVID LUIZ (PSG to Chelsea, €35 million)

 There were groans of apprehension when Chelsea splashed out to bring the Brazil international back to the club from Paris Saint-Germain after an error-strewn maiden stint, but it proved to be a shrewd move in the end. The 30-year-old was the rock upon which Antonio Conte built a watertight, league-winning defence. "I think he's one of many players who has been a key player for us," said Conte. "When we changed and started to play with him in the middle of the three centre-backs, this choice was very good. I think this suited him perfectly."

 6. MIRALEM PJANIC (Roma to Juventus, €32 million)

 Juventus sold Paul Pogba to Manchester United for a world-record fee and his departure was barely felt as they brought Pjanic in from Roma for a fraction of the price. The Bosnian wasted no time settling in to his new surroundings and was instrumental in their Serie A title win as well as their run to the Champions League final. The 27-year-old set up nine league goals for the Bianconeri and bagged eight for himself in all competitions.

 5. EDIN DZEKO (Manchester City to Roma, €11 million)

 Having spent last year on loan at Roma from Manchester City, Dzeko made his move permanent at the start of this season and it resulted in his best ever campaign. The 31-year-old scored 39 goals in all competitions and chipped in with plenty of assists while he was at it. Dzeko's remarkable improvement on his first year in the Eternal City was one of the chief reasons Roma ran Juventus so close for the Serie A title this term.

4. BENJAMIN MENDY (Marseille to Monaco, €13 million)

 Like Djibril Sidibe on the right, Mendy performed an admirable role on the left flank for Monaco as they swept to Ligue 1 glory and the Champions League semi-final. The 22-year-old full back did well going forward, contributing a total of eight assists, including three in the Champions League. Unsurprisingly, his form has attracted attention from a host of big clubs, with Manchester City and Liverpool among those vying for his signature.

 3. DANI ALVES (Barcelona to Juventus, Free transfer)

 Barcelona were made to rue the loss of the Brazilian full back on a free as he cruised past them into the final of the Champions League. As Barca contend with chronic right-back issues, the 34-year-old showed he still has plenty to offer with two assists and a thumping volleyed goal in the semi-final tie against Monaco.

2. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (PSG to Manchester United, Free transfer)

 Despite everything he has achieved in the game, Ibrahimovic arrived in the Premier League with no shortage of doubters, but he quickly set about proving his critics wrong. The 35-year-old hit 28 goals in all competitions before succumbing to a knee injury. While there may be concerns over his capacity to come back from that blow, the former Barcelona and Juventus striker certainly represented one of the best transfers of the season.

 1. N’GOLO KANTE (Leicester to Chelsea, €35.8 million)

 After playing a crucial part in Leicester's fairytale Premier League title triumph, the France international reprised that role with Antonio Conte's Chelsea this season. The 26-year-old doesn't score or set up many goals, but his positional awareness helps to break up opposition attacks while instigating counters. A haul of individual awards accompanied his second successive league-winners medal, showing just how effective an acquisition he was.

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