Miranchuk swaps Atalanta for Atlanta in €15m switch

By Sports Desk July 30, 2024

Alexey Miranchuk has completed a permanent transfer from Atalanta to Atlanta United, the MLS club confirmed on Tuesday. 

Miranchuk, who won the Europa League with Atalanta last season, has signed a three-year contract with an option of a further year for a reported €15million fee. 

The Russia international made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side last term, scoring three goals and adding 12 assists. 

During his four-year stay in Italy, where he spent time on loan with Torino for the 2022-23 season, Miranchuk netted 13 goals in his 100 appearances in the Italian top flight.

“We’re excited to sign a player of Alexey’s quality at this point in his career from a top league in Europe,” Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said.

“He’s an attacking player who is an excellent chance creator capable of scoring goals.

"Over the last four years, he has been a consistent player in Serie A and has made more than 40 combined appearances in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, while helping Atalanta win the Europa League title in 2023-24.

"We’re pleased to add a player with his experience and winning mentality to our group and we look forward to welcoming him to Atlanta.”

Miranchuk comes in as a replacement for Thiago Almada, who left Atlanta to join Botafogo earlier in the transfer window.

Related items

  • Everton complete O'Brien signing from Lyon Everton complete O'Brien signing from Lyon

    Jake O'Brien has become Everton's fifth signing of the transfer window after his reported £16.43million switch from Lyon was confirmed on Tuesday. 

    O'Brien, who made 27 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has penned a four-year contract at Goodison Park ahead of the new Premier League campaign. 

    The Republic of Ireland international scored five goals in all competitions last term, including in Lyon's Coupe de France final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in May. 

    The 23-year-old defender kept seven clean sheets from his league outings last season, and will provide another solid defensive option for the Toffees next season. 

    O'Brien won 44 of his 69 contested aerial duels for Lyon, a total only bettered by his central defensive partner Duje Caleta-Car (57). 

    "I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton," O’Brien said.

    "I've been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It's a very exciting move for me.

    "Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there's a big future as well.

    "When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton.

    "They’ve shown the faith in me so now it's my turn to show why on the pitch."

  • Ukraine 0-2 Argentina: Almada and Echeverri on target but Albiceleste forced to settle for second in Group B Ukraine 0-2 Argentina: Almada and Echeverri on target but Albiceleste forced to settle for second in Group B

    Thiago Almada and Claudio Echeverri helped Argentina secure a 2-0 win over Ukraine, but were forced to settle for second place in Group B at the Paris Olympics. 

    Argentina were among the pre-tournament favourites to win a third gold medal, and their individual quality in the final third ultimately shone through in Lyon. 

    In a first half that saw just two shots on target, Argentina struck just two minutes after the break as Almada sent a curling effort beyond the grasp of Kiril Fesiun. 

    Ukraine threatened to snatch a point in the closing stages, but Echeverri secured the win in the first minute of injury time as he was quickest to react to Kevin Zenon's spilled effort. 

    But in the other game in Group B, Morocco swept aside Iraq as they emerged 3-0 victors, notching six points from their three games to top the group ahead of Javier Mascherano's side. 

    Argentina will face the winners of Group A in the last 16, which will be one of France, New Zealand or the United States. 

    Data Debrief: Argentina's individual quality the difference

    Almada's stunning strike came with an expected goals (xG) of 0.03, once again showcasing his quality that has seen him shine for Atlanta United in the MLS this season. 

    Despite being the tournament's oldest player, Nicolas Otamendi showcased his experience at the back to help Argentina secure the victory. 

    The 36-year-old had the most touches (96), more accurate passes (85) and highest pass accuracy (97.7%) than anyone on the pitch. 

  • Southampton confirm Brereton Diaz arrival from Villarreal Southampton confirm Brereton Diaz arrival from Villarreal

    Southampton have announced the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal for a reported fee of £7million. 

    Brereton Diaz, who featured in all three of Chile's Copa America fixtures last month, has signed a four-year contract at St. Mary's. 

    The 25-year-old ends a torrid spell with Villarreal, having failed to score in his first 20 appearances following his move from Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer last year.

    Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan with Sheffield United, scoring six goals in his 14 Premier League outings. 

    During his time at Bramall Lane, he accumulated the second-highest expected goals (xG) within the Blades' squad (6.07), a total only bettered by Oli McBurnie (6.89) who played in seven more games and scored the same number of goals. 

    Southampton were on the hunt for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Che Adams to Torino last week, with the Scotland international leaving the club having scored 48 goals and adding 20 assists in 191 appearances for the Saints. 

    “I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s been smooth these past couple of days, and I’m happy to get everything sorted and signed. I’m really excited to meet everyone, it’s great to be involved with this great club," Brereton Diaz said. 

    “Watching the club when I was younger, it was always in the Premier League. Obviously last season, the way the team played, they went down but they bounced straight back up as a team.

    "Also the gaffer as well – everything has aligned together, and I think it’s an amazing club. I can’t wait to get started.”

    Brereton Diaz becomes Russell Martin's eighth arrival this transfer window following the signings of Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara and Flynn Downes.

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.