Palermo have made two additions to their squad today in Alessandro Diamanti and Bruno Henrique, with each coming within hours of one another.

Diamanti returns to Italy on a permanent basis after his contract with Guangzhou Evergrande in China was terminated over the summer.

The 33-year-old attacking midfielder has penned a two-year-deal with the rosanero with an option of a third.

Diamanti, the new Gilardino?

Veteran Alberto Gilardino came in last term and his goals ultimately saved Palermo from the drop. Gilardino has since moved on and Diamanti will be tasked with keeping the Sicilian's in Serie A almost singlehandedly now influential Franco Vazquez has also departed for pastures new and deservedly so. 

Gilardino signed this time last year and club president Maurizio Zamparini ultimately forced an unwilling Gilardino out this summer | Photo: gazzettaworld.com
Gilardino signed this time last year and club president Maurizio Zamparini ultimately forced an unwilling Gilardino out this summer | Photo: gazzettaworld.com

Diamanti, who spent part of last season on loan with Atalanta has never been a prolific goalscorer but will largely be expected to be the provider and scorer of the majority of goals this term, for a side lacking pretty much everywhere.

Bruno Henrique joins

Hours after the announcement of Diamanti came the announcement of Bruno Henrique, who arrives on Italian soil from Corinthians in a reported 3.3 million euro deal.

The 26-year-old midfielder has agreed to a four-year contract with the club.

The Brazilian was part of the Corinthians side who won the Brazilian championship in 2015 and leaves having made over 70 appearances in a two year spell.

A problem still needing adressed

Diamanti will pop up with a few goals over the season but Palermo really lack an out and out striker. Palermo are usually blessed with gems up top before being forced to sell on to bigger clubs players like Edinson Cavani for example and more recently Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti but currently they've nothing. With the mercato set to close on Wednesday and some extra funds afforded to them through the sale of Achraf Lazaar, a striker should be the main target for the last few days.

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About the author
Cammy Anderson
Calcio-editor-in-chief Email: [email protected]