South American transfers to watch

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Next to Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká (left) isn't the No. 1 attacking option at remade Real Madrid. Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty Images Gregory Sica's Mailbag Submit a comment or question for Gregory Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND

If this summer's transfer window is any indication, we can look forward to one of the most exciting European seasons in decades. With the three most expensive transfers in the history of the game recently made for amounts previously unimaginable, the stakes are higher than ever.

As is generally the case, only the biggest clubs are making the big purchases, but the less-established clubs also are making some interesting buys. And as is usually the case, South Americans have been among the most mobile during the transfer window, with several making high-profile moves to and across Europe.

South Americans have become an integral part of European soccer. And while Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese clubs traditionally have accounted for stockpiling players from the region, English clubs recently have caught up after realizing the kind of impact they can make, both in the trophy department and the bank account.

Here are the top 10 South American players who have swapped teams ahead of the 2009-10 European club season:

1. Kaká (Real Madrid)

The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year's mega-move to los Galácticos from AC Milan may have been eclipsed by the record-breaking $131 million transfer of his new Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, but Kaká is well aware that at Madrid, he'll be the one calling the shots. The impressive track record of the playmaker suggests that he'll be an instant success at the Santiago Bernabéu, even if Spanish soccer will be a new experience for him. Kaká has the required skill and experience to succeed at the club, and he'll benefit from the loads of talent around him.

However, it will be up to Madrid's new Chilean coach, Manuel Pellegrini, formerly of Villarreal, to get the most out of the Brazilian. With so much star power in the squad this season, it wouldn't be any surprise if Kaká were to be overshadowed by Ronaldo (much like Kaká did to Ronaldinho with Brazil and Milan). Kaká pretty much owned Milan during the six years he spent there, but that may not be the case at Madrid. But if Kaká pulls the strings and Real manages to gel, los Merengues could be unstoppable.

2. Diego (Juventus)

For years, the Brazilian has been on the agenda of several of Europe's top clubs. Finally, after much speculation, he sealed a high-profile move to 27-time Italian champion Juventus. Diego is a class act and has the potential to flourish at a club that will be highly competitive next season. If he's able to take command of the midfield, as he did with Werder Bremen, "The Old Lady" will be a force to be reckoned with.

Diego's style of play is ideal for Serie A and particularly for a club with the ambition of Juventus. He will have the opportunity to prove himself in one of Europe's top three leagues, and he promises to deliver the goods. Diego often has been overlooked by Brazil boss Dunga because of his desire to remain in Germany. With the World Cup just around the corner, his move couldn't have come at a better time. Juve's other South American reinforcements -- Felipe Melo and Martín Cáceres -- also are expected to turn on the style.

3. Carlos Tévez (Manchester City)

Traitor or not, Tévez will have the opportunity to demonstrate that he's still a world-class striker after a horrid spell at Old Trafford. The exciting Argentine was presented with limited opportunities by Alex Ferguson at Man. United, even if he made a telling contribution whenever he was called upon. "Carlitos" rescued United on several occasions, but was treated unfairly by a club that initially wasn't willing to purchase him on a permanent deal. But even if the English champions ended up offering the player an eventual contract, Tévez agreed to join its cross-town rivals instead, becoming the first player to switch between the two Manchester clubs in 10 years.

At first it seemed Tévez was only in it for the money, or perhaps to irritate his former club. But City has signed plenty of reinforcements and has the potential to be a serious Premier League contender. But with so many options in the City attack (including Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor), Tévez knows he can't afford to slack off.

4. Diego Milito (Inter Milan)

One of the more prolific strikers in the world, Milito's scoring record is nothing short than amazing. Since arriving on the European scene with Genoa five years ago, he has proven to be dangerous, and his transfer to Inter was a reward for his hard work. Often overlooked because of his low profile, the Argentine is extremely consistent, and his attacking partnership with Inter's latest signing, Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o, could be extraordinary. If Milito gets the right service from his teammates, he'll finish among the leading scorers of Serie A again next season. He got his Inter career off to a perfect start on Sunday by scoring twice as his team beat archrival AC Milan 2-0 in the World Football Challenge in Foxborough, Mass.