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Serie A received a massive boost when Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Juventus in the summer of 2018. The attacker's switch to Turin made the world pay more attention to Italian football. Many top-rated stars were also attracted to the division as a result. Unfortunately, that couldn't last for long.
Cristiano Ronaldo called time on his Serie A spell during the summer transfer window before returning to Manchester United in August 2021. The adverse effects of the winger's departure from the Italian top flight have been quite obvious, both in sporting and marketing terms. However, it doesn't look like that's a breaking point yet.
If rumors are to be believed, more big-name players could end up following in CR7's footsteps by leaving the division in 2022. There are just a few days left until the winter transfer window. Hence, we've been inspired to compile a list of five notable figures who could bid farewell to Serie A before 2022 runs out.
#5 Franck Kessie
The AC Milan midfielder is one of the best players in his position in Serie A at the moment. He's had an electrifying start to the campaign, recording five goals to his name in 16 games in the Italian top flight so far. That includes an incredible three strikes from his last four games.
Thanks to his brilliant performances for the Rossoneri, Franck Kessie has captured the attention of many big clubs across Europe. Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are interested in the Ivorian.
The midfielder is already in the final year of his contract with AC Milan, meaning he'll become a free agent next summer. It is believed he wants to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer at the end of the term.
#4 Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman switched to Serie A in the summer of 2019, leaving Arsenal to join Juventus on a free transfer. However, Ramsey has failed to secure a spot for himself in the Bianconeri's starting line-up and is expected to part ways with the club in 2022.
Rumors suggest a return to Arsenal could be on the cards for the midfielder. The likes of Newcastle United, West Ham United, Liverpool and Everton have also been mentioned among his suitors.
#3 Sargej Milinkovic-Savic
Sargej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a departure from Lazio over the last few seasons. But the Serie A giants have surprisingly managed to keep hold of their star player. In 2022 though, it looks like the midfielder could finally bid farewell to the Stadio Olimpico.
According to reports, Manchester United are seriously exploring the possibility of luring the Serbian to Old Trafford next year. The Red Devils are joined by the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the race for the player's signature.
Milinkovic-Savic continues to impress with his eye-catching displays for Lazio at the center of the pitch this season. The 26-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Serie A outfit in all competitions so far. In them, he has recorded five goals and six assists to his name.
#2 Arthur Melo
Arthur Melo is another player who could end up leaving Serie A in 2022. The Brazilian joined Juventus from Barcelona in a transfer valued at €72 million in the summer of 2022. However, he's found opportunities hard to come by in Turin and could be on his way out very soon.
Melo has started just four games for the Old Lady across all fronts so far this term, completing 90 minutes just once. If the stories are to be believed, the midfielder isn't happy with his situation at the club and is already thinking about his next destination. Arsenal and Sevilla are said to be exploring the possibility of snapping him up in January.
#1 Matthijs De Ligt
Rumors intensified earlier this week when the player's agent Mino Raiola admitted his client could be on the move next summer.
"He is ready for a new step. He thinks that, too," Raiola said in an interview with NRC.
The Italian named his client's potential destinations in a separate interview with NOS, saying:
"We can all think of the clubs that Matthijs could go to. That can be the Premier League, but also Barcelona, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain."
Matthijs De Ligt has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2024. As it stands, the 22-year-old has a market value of €70 million as per Transfermarkt. It remains to be seen which club he'll end up joining if he eventually bids farewell to Serie A in 2022.
