SOCCER · 1 year ago

The Ten Best Transfers Of The Summer Window So Far

Ruben Chavez

Host · Writer

1. Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid
Despite being one of the longest transfer sagas spanning years, the number one spot is a no-brainer. Real Madrid got their man this summer. Not only did Los Blancos get the signature of a generational superstar to join their constellation of stars, but they got him for free. No transfer fee needed for one of the best players on the planet means there are plenty of expectations in the Spanish capital. Coming off of a double where they won the league title and the Champions League, Kylian Mbappe could kickstart an age of dominance for Madrid.
10. Douglas Luiz to Juventus
In an ideal world, there is very little chance that Aston Villa would’ve sold Douglas Luiz. That is how good he has been for Villa in the center of the pitch. Alas, he is a victim of PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and will now move to Turin. Juventus has fallen on hard times and is looking to again be at the forefront of Seria A. They’ve brought in Thiago Motta to manage and Luiz for 42.4 million pounds to build a new culture at the club.
9. Dani Olmo to Barcelona
One of the Spanish national team stars, Dani Olmo, scored three goals en route to a Euros win. Barcelona is in a difficult financial moment, and last season was a massive disappointment. They needed a loan to fund this 51 million pound move, but the need to keep pace with the rivals in Madrid made them a bit desperate. Still, Olmo is a talent they are familiar with. He was part of their academy setup, leaving when he was 16. After a season where they went trophyless, they’ll hope that Olmo can build on his fantastic summer and help them return to their glory days.
8. Niclas Fullkrug to West Ham
Niclas Fullkrug is a very late bloomer. He only received his first national team call-up in 2022. Fullkrug was key in Dortmund’s Champions League final run and their domestic performance, finishing with 15 goals and ten assists. West Ham is embarking on a new era, bringing in manager Julen Lopetegui in hopes of climbing up the league table. Striker has long been a position of need for the Hammers, hence the 27 million pound transfer. They haven’t had a prolific goal scorer in a long time, and if Fullkrug can keep the form he showed last season, he could propel West Ham to new heights.
7. Joao Neves to PSG
It is a new era in Paris. Paris St-Germain is dealing with a post-Kylian Mbappe world, and Joao Neves is the most significant addition they have made this summer, costing them 50 million pounds, which could increase to 60 with add-ons. Neves is a dynamic, exciting, and young defensive midfielder. The 19-year-old is moving from Benfica to the French capital and joining a PSG team firmly in a youth movement. The PSG fans will be packing the Parc des Princes, with Neves joining the likes of Warren Zaire-Emery and Goncalo Ramos as they look to continue PSG’s dominance of Ligue 1.
6. Michael Olise to Baryen Munich
Last season was unacceptable by the standards of Bayern Munich, so they’ve brought in a new manager and are looking to return to their winning ways. Bringing in Michael Olise will help an attack that sometimes seemed a bit dull. An initial fee of 45 million pounds could climb to over 50 if it succeeds. There is no reason to believe it won’t be. We saw him as a dynamic forward for France this summer at the Olympics. Coming off a season where he finished with ten goals and six assists for Crystal Palace, he will look to build and continue to grow as a player and help Munich return to the top of the Bundesliga.
5. Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is on record saying that Arsenal has been monitoring Riccardo Calafiori for a while, and perhaps that is true. Calafiori was part of an exciting Bologna squad that secured a Champions League spot for the first time since the 1960s. Calafiori’s Euros certainly did not hurt. He showed a remarkable ability to go forward and phenomenal defensive instincts. The 33.6 million pound price tag could go as high as 42 million if specific targets are hit, but after finishing runners-up two years in a row, the Gunners are doing everything to get over the hump. He will join a stout defensive group at the Emirates, giving Arteta even more defensive flexibility. The North London fans will hope Calafiori will be the last piece needed to win the league.
4. Leny Yoro to Manchester United
Manchester United have not been the force we grew accustomed to them being these last couple of years. This summer, they pivoted towards a youth movement, and securing Leny Yoro was a massive marker to lay down. Yoro is a talented center-back and has shown much potential at Lille. United fans may be happy they “beat” Real Madrid to his signature, but they paid a premium, shelling out 52.2 million pounds for the 18-year-old. Still, with the tools Yoro has shown so far, if manager Erik ten Hag can nurture his talent, United could have their center-back for the next decade.
3. Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich
The second move on the list for the Bavarian giants is Joao Palhinha's move from London to Germany. Bayern Munich agreed to 43 million pounds plus add-ons. After finishing second in the previous season, Munich is under pressure, so they’ve been pushed to spend this window. New manager Vincent Kompany will be pleased to have Palhinha, one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Despite a hefty price, this still feels like a bargain for such a great player, and it will be helpful as they look to regain their spot at the top.
2. Julian Alvarez to Athletico Madrid
Athletico Madrid may have had one of the more shocking moves in the window. Julian Alvarez is coming off a summer where he was integral to Argentina’s Copa America win, scoring two goals. He has also been an exciting piece off the bench for Man City, but the lack of playing time behind Erling Haaland meant he was desperate for a move. His wishes were granted, as Athletico paid 64 million pounds and agreed to add-ons if the transfer succeeds. He will be counted on to make a difference as Los Colchoneros look to take advantage of a weakened Barcelona and attempt to keep pace with their crosstown rivals.
1. Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid
Despite being one of the longest transfer sagas spanning years, the number one spot is a no-brainer. Real Madrid got their man this summer. Not only did Los Blancos get the signature of a generational superstar to join their constellation of stars, but they got him for free. No transfer fee needed for one of the best players on the planet means there are plenty of expectations in the Spanish capital. Coming off of a double where they won the league title and the Champions League, Kylian Mbappe could kickstart an age of dominance for Madrid.
10. Douglas Luiz to Juventus
In an ideal world, there is very little chance that Aston Villa would’ve sold Douglas Luiz. That is how good he has been for Villa in the center of the pitch. Alas, he is a victim of PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and will now move to Turin. Juventus has fallen on hard times and is looking to again be at the forefront of Seria A. They’ve brought in Thiago Motta to manage and Luiz for 42.4 million pounds to build a new culture at the club.