Trezeguet, Jadson, Vagner Love & the five returning heroes set to galvanise South American football in 2012

The Brazil international had made clear his desire to leave Ukraine in the summer break, and the only aspect in doubt appeared to be which Brazilian club Jadson landed in after seven years away. First club Atletico PR wanted the 28-year-old to spearhead their campaign to rejoin the big guns in Serie A, but the lustre of Sao Paulo finally won out and Jadson will appear alongside the likes of Lucas Moura and Luis Fabiano in 2012.

The reception that this tricky midfielder has received since returning to La Bombonera says it all; he is a confirmed favourite with the Boca fans. Ledesma racked up more than 100 appearances as a youngster with the Xeneixe before making the switch to Sicily, and after winning six major titles in little more than two years in his last spell he will be hoping that success continues to follow him in the blue and gold shirt.

One of the more controversial transfers of the summer. The former Defensor Sporting hitman flopped in Portugal and was keen to join his boyhood idols. One problem, however; Defensor were adamant that he could only return to their ranks if he came back to Uruguay. Bad blood remains between the Violeta and Penarol, while Mora knuckles down to the task of wresting the title back from arch-rivals Nacional in 2012.

It may surprise some readers to learn that this will be the French star's second spell in Argentine football. It is true, however; Trezeguet was raised in the country and started his career with River's neighbours Platense, and, alongside fellow forwards Fernando Cavenaghi and Alejandro Dominguez, will hope that the goals flow to ensure an instant return for his childhood idols to the Primera Division.

It was one of the longest, most tedious transfer sagas of the summer, but it finally had a happy ending for both the striker and the Brazilian giants. The arrival of the braided hitman eased the pain of seeing Thiago Neves move across Rio to Fluminense and the prospect of seeing him link up with fellow Fla superstar Ronaldinho will make the Cariocas one of the teams to watch in 2012.