With one more month to go, summer transfer deals are now in full focus for the next two weeks as the European soccer leagues prepare to return. Although some impressive moves have been made, this has not been the busy window that many expected it to be. However, there is still time for that to change. Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid is unlikely to be beaten as the most high-profile move of the summer window but international tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2024, Copa America and now the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have offered players platforms to show what they can do.
We take a look at five outstanding pieces of summer transfer work.
Honorable mentions
Although they did not make the cut for the top five, Real Madrid’s signing of Endrick and Juventus landing Douglas Luiz does merit consideration. The Brazilian was lined up by the Spanish giants before Mbappe’s arrival was confirmed and the price tag of around $52 million could end up looking like a bargain if he develops as expected alongside the French superstar, Jude Bellingham and his compatriot Vini Jr. As for Luiz, Aston Villa received an overall package worth slightly more than $56 million — even if that is now what it cost Juve financially. The Italian giants have landed a new metronomic presence for their midfield while he will now pair with Khephren Thuram who also came in as part of a rebuild following the departure of Adrien Rabiot.
5. Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad
An unexpected second move in as many summers for the France international who is part of a deal which is a rare example of all parties potentially benefitting. Villa make a profit on a player who did not exactly excel in his only season in the Premier League while Al-Ittihad land a high-profile star who will help not only the club but also the league in terms of interest. Diaby himself gets to be a part of the Saudi club rebuilding around Karim Benzema with a French-influenced core including N’Golo Kante, Houssem Aouar and Fabinho. Unai Emery’s Villans put that approximate $65 million price tag to use by bringing in the likes of Ian Maatsen as well as Amadou Onana.
4. Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal
After a breakout Euro 2024 with an underwhelming Italian side, the Gunners positioned themselves to pick up the versatile defender for just under $50 million. Giving Mikel Arteta’s men strength in depth in central defense but also on the left, the 22-year-old could prove to be fantastic value for money if Arsenal can maintain their recent consistency and challenge Manchester City for the title again. Riccardo Calafiori is the sort of addition that has the potential to make a difference over the course of a long and draining season in terms of the Londoners’ overall collective.
3. Michael Olise to Bayern Munich
The France international has needed a big move for a while and although it was expected to be to another Premier League club, Bayern Munich is where the 22-year-old will now be developing. Michael Olise is currently starring for host nation France at the Paris Olympic Games and at just under $58 million, big things are expected of the former Crystal Palace man who looks every bit a star in the making. If he can adapt to his new surroundings in Germany with Bavaria generally being a good landing spot for French talent, he could prove to be one of the smartest signings this summer.
2. Leny Yoro to Manchester United
Although he has unfortunately just picked up an injury which is likely to keep him out for a few months, the French defender is one of the best pickups this window. United have landed a potentially generational talent to reinforce Erik ten Hag’s backline from under Real Madrid’s noses. At just under $68 million, the price tag might seem fairly high now but could prove to be a snip in just a few years’ time if he performs as expected at Old Trafford. First things first, Yoro will need to work his way back from injury, but there is no doubt that the 18-year-old is expected to achieve big things in the coming years which make this one of the best transfers of recent years.
1. Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid
Official arriving as a free agent, the French superstar leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join Real is undoubtedly the best piece of summer business. Despite a below-par Euro in Germany and question marks over his form and fitness for the last 12 months or so, Mbappe is currently the best player in the world and has been added to a star-studded squad coached by top tactician Carlo Ancelotti. PSG have been weakened by losing their talisman while Real were already European kings without the 25-year-old. Even if the additional costs push the finances up to a significant amount regardless of there being no transfer fee involved, the possibility of Mbappe lining up with Bellingham, Endrick and Vini Jr. at Santiago Bernabeu this coming season is frightening for every European club.
