The 2024-25 football transfer window has been nothing short of spectacular, with clubs across Europe making blockbuster moves to strengthen their squads. From record-breaking deals to surprise signings, this transfer season has seen some of the most talented players in the world switch teams. In this article, we take a closer look at the most expensive and exciting transfers that have already taken place, including Kylian Mbappé’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid and Julian Alvarez’s new challenge at Atlético Madrid. Let’s dive into the deals that have everyone talking and see how these changes could shape the upcoming season.
Most Expensive Transfer Deals
- Julian Alvarez
Manchester City → Atlético Madrid
Transfer fee can reach up to £82 million - Dominic Solanke
AFC Bournemouth → Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer fee can reach up to £65 million - Leny Yoro
Lille → Manchester United
Transfer fee can reach up to £59 million - Joao Neves
Benfica → Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer fee can reach up to £59 million - Pedro Neto
Wolverhampton Wanderers → Chelsea
Transfer fee can reach up to £54 million
Most Exciting Signings
Kylian Mbappé (LW, ST)
Paris Saint-Germain → Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé joining Real Madrid was always a matter of when rather than if. Following in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappé moves to a team that won both domestic and Champions League trophies last season. His addition to the forward line-up, alongside Vinícius Júnior, Rodrigo, and Jude Bellingham, makes Real Madrid a formidable force.
Julian Alvarez (ST)
Manchester City → Atlético Madrid
After achieving everything with Manchester City, Alvarez seeks new challenges in Spain. Although he wasn’t always a starter for City, his role as a squad player was crucial. A talented and hard-working player, Alvarez is expected to fit seamlessly into Diego Simeone’s system and push Atlético Madrid closer to rivals Real Madrid.
Michael Olise (LW, RW)
Crystal Palace → Bayern Munich
Following an impressive season in the Premier League, Olise has made the move to Bayern Munich. Despite interest from other Premier League teams, the allure of Bayern proved irresistible. As Bayern looks to reclaim the domestic championship, Olise joins other stars like Jamal Musiala, Harry Kane, and Leroy Sané, promising an exciting season ahead.
Dani Olmo (AMF)
RB Leipzig → Barcelona
Dani Olmo gained recognition for his performances in the Euros, playing a key role in Spain’s triumph. At Barcelona, under a new head coach, Olmo’s experience will be invaluable to a youthful team striving to challenge Real Madrid for the title. His ability to influence matches single-handedly makes him an exciting addition.
Manuel Ugarte (DMF)
Paris Saint-Germain → Manchester United
Manuel Ugarte may not be widely known, but his defensive prowess caught the attention of Manchester United. As Casemiro ages, Ugarte offers a younger, stronger alternative. He could potentially form a dual defensive midfield partnership with Casemiro or partner with Kobbie Mainoo, with Mason Mount or Bruno Fernandes playing as a No. 10. Ugarte’s presence is expected to add much-needed stability to United’s midfield.
Dominic Solanke
AFC Bournemouth → Tottenham Hotspur
With Harry Kane’s departure last year, Tottenham needed a reliable center forward. Solanke, after a stellar season with 19 goals in the Premier League, could be the answer. While some doubt whether he can step up, his ability to convert chances will be crucial if Spurs aim to return to the top four.
Most Shocking Transfers
Raheem Sterling
Chelsea → Arsenal
In a surprising turn of events on transfer deadline day, Raheem Sterling made a last-minute move from Chelsea to Arsenal. This transfer was finalized in the final hours, shocking fans and pundits alike. Sterling’s departure comes after public discontent about his lack of playing time, with Chelsea’s manager openly stating his reluctance to work with the winger. Despite being on high wages and under contract for another three years, Sterling’s performances had dipped since his move from Manchester City, where he was once a pivotal part of Pep Guardiola’s title-winning squad. Arsenal, needing a backup for Bukayo Saka, secured Sterling on loan. With Mikel Arteta, who shares a good relationship with Sterling, at the helm, there’s hope that the former star can regain his form and impact at the Emirates.
İlkay Gündoğan
Barcelona → Manchester City
İlkay Gündoğan’s return to Manchester City is another shocking transfer of the window. After leaving the treble-winning City team to fulfil his dream of playing for Barcelona, Gundogan’s time in Spain has been underwhelming. With Barcelona undergoing a transformation under new coach Hans-Dieter Flick and prioritizing youth, Gundogan was deemed surplus to requirements. The mutual contract termination allowed him to rejoin Pep Guardiola at City on a free transfer, providing a significant boost to City’s quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Ivan Toney
Brentford → Al Ahil
Ivan Toney, a prolific striker capable of scoring 20+ goals a season, made a surprising move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahil. Despite his undeniable talent, Toney’s off-field issues made top European clubs hesitant to sign him. His move to Al Ahil not only guarantees a lucrative paycheck but also marks a loss for the Premier League, as his goal-scoring prowess could have been valuable to many teams.
Federico Chiesa
Juventus → Liverpool
Federico Chiesa’s transfer to Liverpool caught everyone off guard when the rumours first surfaced. Despite Liverpool’s already strong pool of forwards, they signed Chiesa at a bargain price of around £12 million. Once at the peak of his career three years ago, Chiesa’s form had been hampered by major injuries. With Mohamed Salah’s contract nearing its end, Chiesa could be the heir apparent to the right-wing position. It will be fascinating to see how Chiesa fits into Liverpool’s dynamic attack and whether he can recapture his best form.
Best Transfer Windows for Teams
Manchester United
- Leny Yoro (CB)
- Manuel Ugarte (DMF)
- Matthijs de Ligt (CB)
- Joshua Zirkzee (CF)
- Noussair Mazraoui (RB)
Bayern Munich
- Michael Olise (RW)
- Joao Palhinha (DMF)
- Hiroki Ito (CB)
- Bryan Zaragoza (LW)
- Armindo Sieb (SS)
Juventus
- Teun Koopmeiners (AMF)
- Douglas Luiz (CM)
- Khephren Thuram (CM)
- Juan Cabal (LB)