Milan and Juventus’s business in the transfer market was called into question by the Italian press on Saturday morning, as some outlets suggest that the two clubs have not yet seen a return on some of their most costly investments.
Milan and Juventus spent around €265m combined over the summer transfer window, but La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that most of the new signings have not yet had a real impact for either side.
Juventus spent considerably more than Milan in the summer, just shy of €200m in fact, although the Bianconeri did also raise around €118m through their recent departures and also managed to reduce their wage bill significantly with the exits of Federico Chiesa and Adrien Rabiot.
Milan, meanwhile, spent around €66m, but sold fewer players than Juve. The Rossoneri net spend totalled around €53m, while Juve’s was closer to €80m.
Of the players that Milan and Juventus brought in over the summer, not many have yet had a consistent impact on their new sides.
Injuries halt Juventus’s new signings
Teun Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz were both signed by the Bianconeri for around €50m each. The Dutchman’s start at the Allianz stadium has been held back by a recent injury, while the Brazilian’s sub-par performances remain somewhat of a mystery.
Michele Di Gregorio has been promising at times, but uncertain at others, and has not yet cemented himself as the guaranteed no.1 under Thiago Motta, who likes to give the occasional opportunity to Mattia Perin.
Khephren Thuram also suffered injury and fitness issues at the start of the season, as did Francisco Conceicao, but both are beginning to have more of a positive impact. Pierre Kalulu and Juan Cabal have had relatively positive reviews when they have played.
Damming Giroud stat troubles Milan
Milan’s most expensive signing, Youssouf Fofana, has proved to be worth the investment so far. The rest, however, leave a little to be desired.
Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham have not set the world alight in attack since joining over the summer. Alarmingly, Olivier Giroud had more Serie A goals after three games last season than the two centre-forwards do this season after 12 matches, combined.
La Gazzetta dello Sport feel that Emerson Royal has not been the most exciting player, while questions have been asked about Strahinja Pavlovic after his performance during the 2-0 loss against Napoli on Tuesday.