Juventus Transfer News: Bianconeri Sign Eljero Elia from Hamburg

Juventus have closed their account in the 2011 preseason transfer window in style, securing the services of up-and-coming Dutch winger Eljero Elia. Juventus were strongly linked with the winger throughout the window, and just yesterday it was reported that he was heading to Turin for a medical.

A statement released by the club website read:

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"Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that the agreement with Hamburger Sport-Verein e.V. for the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the Dutch player Eljero Elia has been finalized. The contract envisages the payment by Juventus of €9 million in three instalments: €4 million at the international transfer release, €2.5 million on 31 January 2012 and €2.5 million on 31 January 2013.

The purchase value may increase by a further of €1 million on achieving given sports performances in the course of the duration of the contract. Juventus and the player have signed a four-year contract of employment."

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The signing of Elia ends speculation about a left midfielder arriving at Juventus. The former Hamburg man brings pace, creativity and fancy footwork to the Juventus midfield, something which has somewhat lacking in previous years.

Juventus have compiled a new look midfield this year and the addition of Elia will see the four across the middle of the park look like this:

Elia—Vidal—Pirlo—Krasic

With depth on the bench in the form of Marchisio, Pazienza and Pepe, Juventus look to be in good shape heading into the 2011/2012 Serie A.