In the most unexpected transfer of 2018, Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid to join Serie A champions Juventus for 100 million Euros.
After spending nine seasons at Spanish capital and scoring 450 goals in 438 games, five time Ballon d’Or winner calls it time and move to Turin in search of new challenges. His new deal will see him play for the Turin based club for next four years.
However in 2018, Ronaldo’s transfer wasn’t the only major highlight in the transfer window. A couple of new age stars also opted for new roles and joined new teams.
England’s club Liverpool looked to be the biggest gainer via these transfers. The Merseyside club strengthened its side by adding Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Dutch defender Virgil Van Djik, Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, Neby Keita and Fabinho and all these five have added strength to the Reds side because of which they are sitting at top of the Premier League table, still unbeaten and six points ahead of second placed Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund compeleted signing of Spanish forward Paco Alcacer from Barcelona, who on his loan spell at Bundesliga created magic on the field for Dortmund by repeatedly making his presence in the scoresheet.
In the January transfer market, Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho switched to Barcelona for 120 million euros plus 40 million benfits.
Also former Atletico and Chelsea goalkeeper and World Cup golden glove winner Thibaut Courtois landed in spanish capital again but this time to join the other Madrid club.
In process of let the Belgian go and join Real, Chelsea brought Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for 80 million euros to London which is a record price for any goalkeeper.
Premier League champions Manchester City also boosted its attacking strength by adding Riyad Mahrez from Leicester for whooping amount of 67.8 million euros.
But Alexis Sanchez stint at Old Trafford turned out to be a bad dream for the Chile international as he failed to find form under Jose Mourinho and was later sidelined due to injury.