Serie A heavyweights AC Milan have, on Thursday, unveiled the latest addition to the club's first-team ranks ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Rossoneri, of course, have endured something of an understated opening to the summer transfer window.
Fresh off sealing a first Scudetto title in over a decade, it was widely understood that the powers that be on the red half of Milan were primed to wrap up a pair of high-profile deals, in the form of the signings of LOSC Lille duo Sven Botman and Renato Sanches.
Neither player, however, has since taken their talents to the San Siro, with stopper Botman having actually opted to put pen to paper on terms with Newcastle United.
Instead, the Diavolo, before today, had confirmed a pair of alternative reinforcements to Stefano Pioli's squad.
First up came a cut-price swoop for Alessandro Florenzi, who did enough during a loan spell at the club to convince Paolo Maldini and co. of his place in Milan's long-term plans.
Then, on Tuesday, Divock Origi followed suit, linking up with the Italian champions on the back of the expiration of his contract with Liverpool.
And now, as alluded to above, a 3rd addition to Pioli's ranks with a view to next season has been confirmed.
The latest player to have committed to Milan on a permanent basis? Junior Messias.
Like Florenzi, wide-man Messias spent last season on loan at the San Siro, going on to rack up a respectable five goals and two assists across 26 Serie A appearances (14 starts).
And such production, evidently, proved enough to convince the Rossoneri transfer team to trigger their option to buy the Brazilian, with an official statement across the club's website and social media platforms on Thursday having confirmed:
'AC Milan is delighted to announce that Walter Messias Junior has joined the Club on a permanent basis from Crotone FC. The Brazilian forward has signed a contract with the Club until 30 June 2024.'