European transfer window closed with a flurry of last-minute deals on Friday, but some of the best moves were finalized well before the deadline. Here’s a look at the standout transfers of the 2024/25 summer window.
1. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid – Free Transfer)
Kylian Mbappe’s long-anticipated move to Real Madrid was the biggest story of the summer. After letting his contract with Paris Saint-Germain run down, Mbappe fulfilled his dream of joining Los Blancos on a free transfer. Despite being one of football’s worst-kept secrets, the move was still the most significant business of the window.
Mbappe left PSG with a collection of domestic trophies but without the coveted Champions League title, leading to his decision to join Madrid. Real Madrid didn’t hesitate to meet his demands, offering a hefty signing-on fee of €150 million over five years, along with an annual salary of €15 million. Though he’s yet to score in La Liga, Mbappe has already made his mark by netting in Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup victory against Ata. Endrick (Palmeiras to Real Madrid – €47.5m)
Real Madrid didn’t stop at Mbappe; they also secured the services of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick. The €47.5 million transfer fee reflects the club’s commitment to building for the future. At just 18, Endrick made an immediate impact by scoring in a 3-0 win over Valladolid, becoming the youngest foreign player to score for Madrid in La Liga. With 10 caps for Brazil already, Endrick is widely regarded as the next big star for the Selecao.
3. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid – €75m)
Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid was one of the more intriguing transfers this summer. Despite his impressive trophy haul, which includes Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup titles, Alvarez has flown somewhat under the radar. Atletico acted quickly to secure his signature, outmaneuvering clubs like Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine forward’s intelligence in the penalty area and clinical finishing make him one of the most underrated talents in world football.
4. Joao Palhinha (Fulham to Bayern Munich – €51m)lanta.Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Joao Palhinha addresses a glaring need for steel in midfield. The Portuguese midfielder, known for his aggressive tackling and physical presence, nearly joined Bayern last summer, but Fulham held firm. Bayern paid the price for missing out on him, finishing third in the Bundesliga last season. Now, under new manager Vincent Kompany, Palhinha is expected to be a key figure as Bayern aim to reclaim their dominance in Germany.
5. Joao Cancelo (Manchester City to Al Hilal – $28m)Joao Cancelo’s move to Al Hilal was another headline-grabbing transfer. After falling out with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and spending last season on loan at Barcelona, Cancelo found a new home in Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal, Saudi champions, capitalized on Barcelona’s financial constraints to secure the versatile full-back. Cancelo’s passing ability and adaptability on both flanks make him a valuable asset as Al Hilal strives to set themselves as a dominant force in Asia.
🎥 "João Cancelo" rises from the heights of the planet... to #AlHilal 💙#CanceloIsHilali 🤩
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 27, 2024
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These transfers not only show the ever-changing dynamics of European football but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Each player brings unique qualities to their new teams, and fans will be eager to see how they act on their new stages.