5 Transfers that shocked the world this summer

Gianluigi Buffon in action against Arsenal

4. Gianluigi Buffon to Paris Saint-Germain

Buffon moved to PSG in the summer, calling time on his 18-year association with the Old Lady. After expressing his desire to not renew his contract, many thought that Buffon had run his race. He was tipped to retire after leading Juventus to another domestic double. However, a few days into the transfer market, PSG lured him to Paris with their ambitious project.

It has been a well-established fact that PSG wants to get its hands on the Champions League. In Buffon, they have signed a goalkeeper and a leader who has the experience of winning football’s biggest prize. While Buffon might not be able to play 50 games a season anymore, he would represent a solid option whenever called upon. His presence would also aid the development of PSG’s young French goalkeeper, Areola.

Last season, Buffon made 44 saves in the Serie A, on his way to 11 clean sheets in 21 appearances. In his first few outings for PSG, Buffon has been a stable presence in goal and has helped organise the inexperienced defence around him. When the season starts proper, PSG would hope that he can come up with more of the same.

The signing of Buffon represents a shrewd piece of business on PSG’s behalf. The fact that Buffon moved to another club in Europe, after his contract with Juventus expired, shocked the footballing world. By moving to PSG, Buffon has ensured that his last Champions League contribution would not be the infamous red card against Real Madrid.