Villarreal has reinforced its midfield with the signing of Roberto Soriano from Sampdoria on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old, who reportedly fielded interest from the likes of AC Milan and Napoli in the past, put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the La Liga outfit.
(Courtesy: Villarreal CF)
The Yellow Submarine is filling out its squad ahead of its first Champions League campaign in four years.
A box-to-box midfielder with a penchant for scoring goals, Soriano will complement his more defensive teammate Bruno. Soriano can also play in a variety of roles, in the centre of midfield or on either side.
The Bayern Munich academy graduate joined Sampdoria in 2009, and after a season-long loan at Empoli, he emerged as a regular starter in Genoa. He recorded eight goals and four assists last season to help the Blucerchiati stay in Serie A.
Soriano saw his stock rise to its highest point in 2015, and almost sealed a move to Napoli on transfer deadline day. But the Partenopei failed to complete the deal in time, as his contract didn't reach Serie A's office before 11 p.m. local time.
Napoli had eclipsed Milan's proposal with a €13-million offer plus wing-back Juan Zuniga.
Soriano is Villarreal's fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Alfred N'Diaye, Denis Cheryshev, and Alexandre Pato.
The club qualified for the Champions League as La Liga's fourth-place finisher. It will contest a two-legged playoff later in the month, joining Manchester City and Porto as seeded teams.
The draw for the final qualifying round will take place Friday.
