Official: Cagliari buy Belotti, Ze Pedro and 20-year-old Uruguay talent Rodriguez

Andrea Belotti has officially joined Cagliari in a permanent move from Como, while the Sardinians also bought Juan Martin Rodriguez from Penarol and Ze Pedro from FC Porto.

It was a frantic deadline day for the Rossoblu, who finalised two big deals in the final minutes of the summer transfer session.

The most intriguing deal was the purchase of veteran Italy striker Belotti, who was bought outright from Como.

Il Gallo had spent the last six months of the season on loan in Portugal with Benfica, where he scored four goals and provided one assist in 24 competitive appearances.

Still only 31 years of age, Belotti started out at Albinoleffe, making his mark at Palermo, Torino, Roma and Fiorentina before the move to Como for €4.5m in 2024.

He had been in talks for a move to Serie B for Sampdoria and Spain for Valencia, but instead comes back to Serie A.

Cagliari add Belotti, Rodriguez and Ze Pedro to squad

Cagliari also announced the arrival of 20-year-old defender Rodriguez from Penarol in a deal believed to be worth circa €4m.

Despite only celebrating his 20^th birthday in May, he has already earned his first senior cap for Uruguay.

He plays as a central defender, but can also work as a left-back too.

Ze Pedro is another permanent purchase for Cagliari from FC Porto, signing until June 2028 with an option to extend for another season.

The cost of this operation is believed to be €2m, with Porto receiving a 50 per cent sell-on clause for the 28-year-old defender.