Torino have made their fourth signing of the week by sealing a move for Lecce midfielder Giuseppe Vives, who becomes the first player to be signed outright in this transfer window.
All of Torino’s previous eight signings of the summer (Ebagua, Verdi, Coppola, Oduamadi, Iori, Darmian, Glik, Basha) had been signed on either a loan or co-ownership basis, so the purchase of Vives may herald a change in transfer strategy by Sporting Director Gianluca Petrachi.
Vives has been a regular in the Lecce midfield for the past five seasons and was named the best midfielder in Serie B when Lecce gained promotion in the 2009/10 season.
It is only the middle of July but Torino have already made ten signings this summer, with Roma winger Stefano Guberti also joining the club.
Because of Giampiero Ventura’s chosen formation (a 4-4-2, that can become a 4-2-4) attacking wingers are vital in order for this system to be effective, and the coach had earmarked Guberti as a potential signing, and has now got his wish.
Guberti spent last season on loan at Sampdoria, and scored five goals but was unable to help them avoid relegation from the top division. However, for a player who did impress on occasion in Serie A, Guberti should be able to excel in a lower division and in a team that will suit his style of play.
Whilst Guberti has signed for Torino on an initial loan deal, Toro will have the option to sign him on a co-ownership deal at the end of the season.
Although it is always dangerous to judge the quality of a player on the basis of a Youtube compilation, this video will allow you to see him in action.
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