Can Monaco FC’s latest signings change the club’s fortunes?

Monaco FC have signed Portuguese big hitters Moutinho and Rodriguez (Guardian), could this signal a change in the fortunes of the French club?

Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev has recently confirmed two new signings for his league one team. The Monaco FC owner added FC Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to his payroll for a reported combined figure of €70million (£60.6million).

Meet the new players

Let’s look at what Monaco’s newest high profile signings might bring to the team.

Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho was signed for a reported €25million (£21.4million) and has won 12 major titles in his career to date.

The 26-year-old will be wearing the number 8 jersey for his new team. Moutinho played for Porto for three years, after leaving Sporting Lisbon in 2010. Some say the transfer will be a kick in the teeth to Tottenham Hotspur who were reportedly interested in the midfielder again after losing out last year.

Signed for an even higher figure of €45million (£38.4million), Colombian winger James Rodriguez, boasts eight trophies during his three years with the Portugal team. The 21-year-old midfield attacker and wing, won the Portuguese Golden Ball award in 2012 for being the best player of the year in Portugal’s premier league.

Both players from FC Porto have been signed on five year deals.

Monaco moving up?

After being relegated from league one two seasons ago, it looks like Monaco’s fortunes are changing. The team has come back with relish throughout season 2012-13 to dominate league two and are set for promotion to return to league one. Some say it was the backing of Russian oligarch Rybolovlev that’s helped them back to the top with extravagant spending on transfers.

In addition to Moutinho and Rodriguez, otherwise known as the ‘deadly duo’, Monaco have also secured the talents of much sought-after Columbian Radamel Falcao (Daily Mail). The striker was bought for a reported £60million from Atletico Madrid. Well known Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho also added to the team.

While the 2013-14 season looks to be a significant season for Monaco FC, time will tell if the new transfers can really catapult the team back to glory. Regardless, fans of the club are sure to be jumping on board trains to south of France this season to catch the new recruits in action.

What do you think of Monaco FC’s latest signings?