Mbappe's Madrid Debut Raises Balance Concerns for Ancelotti

Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

Finally, the transfer window has shut. And with that, all of us might have our list of yays and nays when it comes to transfers.

While Madrid fans will be ecstatic with the arrival of France sensation Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, Chelsea are seriously having a headache as to what to do with a squad boasting of 43 players. 43 effing players. Shocking right?

The summer of 2024 has been an eventful one for the football world. While there are way too many arrivals (pun intended) there are few players who have to depart to a different club in search of 💰 or more playing time.

In this article, we will be looking at the top 15 summer transfers that have taken place in the football world in 2024.

Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

Julian Alvarez (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid)

Julian Alvarez Set for Atletico Madrid Move in Record-Breaking Deal

Argentina’s Julian Alvarez, who played second fiddle to Erling Haaland during his time at Manchester City; wanted to have more playing time. And this season, the midfielder received a bid from Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid who are going through a transition phase. 

With a dismal performance coming from Simeone’s squad last season, it was high time they looked for a striker who could land them goals (in dozens). And Alvarez seemed to be a perfect fit. Atletico Madrid announced the arrival of Alvarez from Manchester City in a deal worth £82m (€95m). 

Conor Gallagher (Chelsea to Atletico Madrid)

Enzo Maresca’s arrival at Chelsea meant trouble for many. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher was one of the many players leaving Stamford Bridge. The Blues midfielder found a new home at 2020-21 La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Atlético Madrid completed the signing of midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea in a deal worth around €40 million ($44m). With this signing, Atletico has strengthened their midfield comprising Koke, Rodrigo de Paul, Thomas Lemar, and Marcos Llorente.

Leny Yoro (Lille to Manchester United)

Manchester United had a busy summer. After securing the services of Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils beat Spanish giants Real Madrid to get France’s Leny Yoro to Old Trafford. 

The center-back moved to the Red Devils in a deal worth £52m plus add-ons. This might seem a very big amount considering the youngster’s age. However, the French center-back is being considered as one of the best teenagers in the football world.

Kylian Mbappe (PSG to Real Madrid)

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One of the most anticipated transfers of this season finally happened after a lot of controversy. Kylian Mbappe followed his idol’s footsteps (no points for the right guesses). The 2018 World Cup winner joined 2023-24 UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Mbappé, 25, signed a five-year contract at the club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Madrid president Florentina Perez had been seeking the France captain’s signature since the 2018 FIFA World Cup; the first time Mbappe broke on the international stage. But things couldn’t materialize somehow.

However, now that he has joined his dream club, will the Frenchmen be able to emulate his idol’s success at the club?

Endrick (Palmeiras to Real Madrid)

Real Madrid needs to be credited for their smart transfer business. After getting Kylian Mbappe at the club, the La Liga giants decided to bring Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to Santiago Bernabeu. 

Madrid agreed a deal to sign forward Endrick from Palmeiras in December 2022, but the prospect could not formally join the club until his 18th birthday on July 21, 2024.

Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig to Barcelona)

Dani Olmo Poised for Barcelona Debut as Financial Woes Ease

After helping his country lift the Euro 2024 trophy, Dani Olmo has decided to join the boyhood club, Barcelona. The Catalans who had shown interest in the La Masia graduate finally secured the player this transfer season.

The La Liga giants have reportedly sent an offer worth €62 million (£53 million) with a €55 million (£47 million) initial fee and €7 million (£6 million) in add-ons. The midfielder has agreed to sign a six-year contract with Barcelona.

Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspurs)

Seems like Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has seriously affected Tottenham. The perennial underachievers of the Premier League have failed to convert their attacks into goals. The failure of Richarlison and the constant injury problems of Heung Min Son have put additional pressure on the club. 

The North London club has decided to fill the void of a consistent striker by bringing Bournemouth’s goal-scoring machine Dominic Solanke to the club. As per the deal, Solanke cost a total of £65m for the Spurs. The deal will see Spurs pay an initial £55m with £10m possible to follow in bonuses.

Pedro Neto (Wolves to Chelsea)

Chelsea are going berserk at the transfer window this season. Could you believe they have a squad boasting a total of 9 goalkeepers? Wonder what the football pundits have to say about this!!

After signing a total of 13 players this season, the move of Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Blues has met with an amazing response from the fans.

As for the numbers, Pedro Neto has completed his move to Chelsea from Wolves; the Blues will pay £51.4m upfront plus £2.6m in add-ons.

Federico Chiesa (Juventus to Liverpool)

Federico Chiesa Joins Liverpool in 12.5 Million Pound Deal

The Arne Slot era at Anfield has begun. After deciding to not do any summer signings (unusual by a club of their standards), Liverpool decided to make a late entry into the transfer window.

Chiesa, the Italian starboy who lit up the Euro 2020 stage with his amazing dribbling skills, decided to make a move into the Premier League. The former Juventus player signed a three-year deal worth €13M; which seems to be a bargain for the 2019-20 Premier League winners.

Manuel Ugarte (PSG to Manchester United)

The lack of powerhouse midfielders has been hurting Manchester United for the past few seasons. Yes, skipper Bruno Fernandes has been holding the fort quite well for the Red Devils. But the need for more players like him is needed at Old Trafford.

And the Red Devils have pinned their hopes on Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan international, who plays for Paris St. Germain has arrived at Manchester United. The club shelled out €50 million to secure his services; who was a top target for manager Erik Ten Hag.

Ivan Toney (Brentford to Al-Ahli)

After being linked to a move to Chelsea, Brentford star Ivan Toney has decided to try his luck at the Saudi Pro League. The Englishman has decided to join the Middle East club for a stunning move to Al-Ahli that cost €42M on the deadline day.  At Al-Ahli, Toney will earn a staggering £403,000-a-week including bonuses. It means Toney will earn more than 13 times the £36,000-a-week wage he picked up at Brentford.

Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich to Manchester United)

Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United have bolstered their defense with the addition of Matthijs de Ligt. The former Juventus and Bayern Munich player has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.

The Netherlands international has signed a deal worth a combined £60 million ($76.6m) including add-ons.

The news will surely boost the hopes of United fans who want to make a return to UEFA Champions League football.

Joao Neves (Benfica to PSG)

After a lot of helter-skelter, Benfica star Joao Neves has confirmed a move to Paris St. Germain. 

The young Portuguese player has joined PSG for a five-year deal worth €60 million.

Considered one of the hottest properties in the football world, Neves will surely try his best to win the first-ever Champions League for the Ligue 1 champions.

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich)

Looks like last year’s dismal Bundesliga season has made Bayern Munich head back straight to the drawing board and strengthen its squad. To get back to winning ways, the German champions have signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. 

The Bundesliga side will pay £50.8m (€60m) including add-ons to bring the 22-year-old to the Allianz Arena.

Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid to Chelsea)

After Romelu Lukaku, the only player who can claim to have an amazing agent is Portugal’s Joao Felix. After doing back and forth between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, the winger has finally decided to move back to Stamford Bridge for a seven-year deal worth €50 million.

 

Other Notable Mentions:

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United to Chelsea)

Victor Osimhein (Napoli to Galatasaray)

Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa to Juventus)

Mats Hummels (Borrusia Dortmund to AS Roma)

 

So, that’s it. That’s our list of the top 15 summer transfers in football that we feel might be game-changers this season. Were you satisfied with your club’s transfer strategy this season? Comment down below who you think should be bought and who should be sold at your favourite club.

Joselu re-signs with Real Madrid - God of Sports

Former Espanyol striker Joselu is a Real Madrid player, again!!!

Looks like the search for Karim Benzema’s replacement is over. Real Madrid has announced the signing of Spain striker Joselu from relegated team Espanyol. In a statement released by Madrid, the club stated, “Real Madrid and Espanyol have agreed on the loan of Joselu, who will be at the club for next season with an option to buy at the end of it.”

Joselu joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2010 and played for Castilla. In the two seasons with their reserve team, he was the top scorer in the team. In the second of them, the 2011-12, he proved to be instrumental in winning promotion to the Second Division as champion of the division. He scored 19 goals in the regular league and 7 more in the promotion play-offs.

Joselu had a superb season. The forward finished as La Liga’s third top goalscorer with 16 goals despite Espanyol’s relegation, earning him a call-up to the national team squad for the Nations League final four.

As per the statement, Joselu arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu on a season-long loan deal, with Real Madrid understood to have paid a loan fee of €500,000. As for the permanent purchase option, it is believed to be non-mandatory and worth around €1.5 million.

Real Madrid is seeing a lot of new faces in the squad. Recently, the team announced the signing of England international Jude Bellingham. The club has also announced the signing of talented left-back Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano and Brahim Diaz from AC Milan.

The FC Barcelona Club Badge

Top 5 reasons why Barcelona was able to win the La Liga title

FC Barcelona clinched La Liga’s title for the 2022–23 season with a convincing 4–2 victory against archrivals Espanyol, but there was never any genuine question about their dominance in the league. Barcelona made it quite evident that they are the finest club in the Spanish top division following their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in their most recent league match.

Returning to the top was not an easy journey. After seeing Real Madrid win two of the previous three league championships, with Atlético Madrid winning the third after acquiring Luis Suárez, Barcelona made risky choices in the summer transfer window, securing their future revenues to win the championship.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Here are the top 5 reasons why FC Barcelona was successful in winning their 27th domestic title

Xavi’s Management

Even his own supporters were harshly critical of him this season, but Xavi deserves even more praise for the job he has done steering the Barcelona ship. La Blaugrana had a history of hiring uninspiring managers who didn’t get the club’s concept and tended to undercut the players; Ronald Koeman’s reign had some particularly hysterical low periods.

Even while some Real Madrid supporters falsely claimed that Xavi had not advanced the team beyond Koeman, maybe out of fear, the fact is that the storied Barcelona midfielder really made a significant difference for the team right away. He handled himself with class despite the strain of running such a prominent organisation and had a clear vision and a manner of interacting with the players.

Although that 4-0 Clásico thrashing eventually acted as more of a wake-up call for eventual Champions League champions Real Madrid, the earliest indications of Xavi’s greatness may have been seen there.

The way Xavi has recovered from setbacks is what has caught many eyes. In the Champions League group stages in 2022, he was held accountable for several poor individual performances, like as Gerard Piqué’s humiliating defence against Inter and Ousmane Dembélé’s head-in-the-clouds performance (which some supporters oddly appreciated) against Bayern München. At the La Liga Champions League level, it should never be acceptable for players to make such glaring mental errors, yet Xavi recognised the problems in the team, fixed them, and improved his organisational framework.

In terms of European competitiveness, Barcelona is not exactly where they want to be, but they will get there. Barça has proven they have the talent to reach that level after dominating Real Madrid in most of their head-to-head contests this season and winning the title against what is perhaps the best club in the Champions title.

There shouldn’t be any doubts about La Blaugrana’s potential under Xavi, who has combined Barcelona’s traditional principles with a required fresh approach to the current game.

Rock Solid Defense

Barcelona was propelled by the efforts of its defensive players since, in the end, it is the players who truly have to create the outcomes on the field. In the past, Barça’s defence was a serious flaw, frequently made fun of by mainstream football analysts for getting destroyed by teams like Bayern Munich and Kylian Mbappé.

It would be difficult to find a stronger group in their league this year. Barcelona has only given up 13 goals in 34 games, which is an absurd total. The main reason they were able to defeat meaningful Madrid, who frequently made absurd mistakes and lacked any meaningful organisation under Carlo Ancelotti, was their better defensive play.

Some have attempted to dismiss Barça’s defence as chance, citing the xG measure as one they themselves don’t seem to comprehend. Barcelona may have been relatively unlucky not to have given up more goals, but it is impossible to dismiss the fact that they only let up half as many goals as Atlético Madrid, the second-best league defence.

One of the top centre-backs in the league, Andreas Christensen has proven to be a brilliant free-agent acquisition. The importance of Jules Koundé has met expectations among Barcelona supporters. Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araujo is absolutely top-notch. Vinicius Junior has the utmost regard for him for a reason. Last but not least, the young left-back Alejandro Baldé is already among the finest in the world at his position.

Consistency

Real Madrid, a reigning champion, still views themselves as one of the world’s top teams; after all, they are now playing in the Champions League semi-finals and have already won the Copa del Rey.

In what is regarded as “the competition of consistency” in Spain, Carlo Ancelotti’s club, however, was unable to stay up with Barcelona this season.

Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, and although they still rank as the nation’s top team on occasion, Barcelona has established a significant points advantage over Madrid as a result of their more consistent play.

Madrid suffered from Karim Benzema’s injury-plagued season, and it is challenging to play at a high level in every game with ageing greats Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both important players in their best 11.

Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League and Europa League hurt, but it allowed Xavi’s team to concentrate on winning the top division.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Extra Midfielder

Barcelona generally uses a 4-3-3 formation, but in January, Xavi made the decision to start using Gavi as a left winger.

The kid would enter the pitch and provide Barca a fourth midfielder, providing them a helpful advantage to aid in maintaining possession.

then defeated Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup using that method, and then went on a seven-game winning streak in La Liga.

Lewandowski’s productivity was reduced in the second half of the season as a result of fewer opportunities being generated for him, but Barca had much more control over the course of the game.

Shift in-game

Barcelona’s two previous coaches, Ronald Koeman and Quique Setien, failed to defeat either of Spain’s other two dominant teams in La Liga, Real Madrid and Atletico.

In his first few months in command last season, Xavi altered that by defeating both, and he did so once more this season.

The Catalans had one loss, two victories over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in league play.

João Mendes

Ronaldinho’s son to join Barcelona, Laporta confirms

Current La Liga leaders Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta has confirmed that former Brazilian legend Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes will be joining the club soon following a successful trial.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho enjoyed a successful five-year spell with Barcelona between 2003 and 2008, helping the Catalan giants win two La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes, who earlier used to ply his trade for Corinthians, is set to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Catalan giants. Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the news saying, “He’s very young and he’s training with us, but we will give him a contract. There are a few things to finalise, but we are very happy with him.”

He further added, “The pressure on the boy is great, because Ronaldinho has been one of the best in history. The son has pressure, but it’s the job of our coaches to develop his skills.”

Let’s see if Ronaldinho’s son is able to reach the heights of success his father did in the football world.

Footballers who were once a part of AS Monaco

AS Monaco is one of the most successful clubs in French football, having won eight league titles, five Coupe de France trophies and one Coupe de la Ligue. The club is among the best in European football and was runners-up in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1992 and the UEFA Champions League in 2004. 

The French club has seen numerous star players among their ranks. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry and Bernardo Silva have all passed through the club’s doors. Starting their journey at AS Monaco, these players have gone on to become some of the finest players the game has ever seen.

Here are the incredible players who were once a part of the French club AS Monaco.

Fabinho 

Fábio Henrique Tavares, known as Fabinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Liverpool and the Brazil national team. A versatile player who mainly plays as a defensive midfielder, Fabinho can also be deployed as a right-back or centre-back.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MARCH 10: Fabinho of Liverpool poses for a photo with his Player of the match award after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Liverpool FC and RB Leipzig at the Puskas Arena on March 10, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laszlo Szirtesi – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

He spent five years at Monaco, playing 233 games, scoring 31 goals, and winning Ligue 1 in 2016–17. After that, he went to Liverpool and won the Champions League during his debut season. He also won the UEFA Super Cup in 2019 and also played a key role in guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2020, the club’s first league title in 30 years.

Youri Tielemans 

Youri Tielemans spent just 18 months in Monaco but showed everyone why he is considered one of the best. Tielemans has been tipped for greatness since his days at RSC Anderlecht, where he became the club’s fourth-youngest player ever when he made his debut at just 16 in 2013.

CARDIFF, WALES – JUNE 11: Youri Tielemans of Belgium during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Wales and Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium on June 11, 2022 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

The Belgian footballer scored 5 goals in 47 appearances for AS Monaco. The footballer is currently playing for Leicester City.

Bernardo Silva 

The Portugal midfielder, who was once a part of AS Monaco, has enthralled the audience with his stunning dribbles and free-kicks at his current club Manchester City. 

Bernardo Silva was a part of AS Monaco’s “Class of 2017”, who won the Ligue 1 and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League that year. 

Monaco’s Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva celebrates after his team scored a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Monaco and Manchester City at the Stade Louis II in Monaco on March 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Valery HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

His time at Monaco saw him play a more expansive role, but an equally crucial one on the right wing, progressing the ball in wide areas before supplying the lethal frontmen. He has also established himself as a key player in the national set-up for Portugal, lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019.

Silva scored 24 goals in 101 appearances during his time at Monaco.

Kylian Mbappe 

Kylian Mbappe is one of the most popular footballers who was sold by the French club. The French attacker joined Monaco Youth in 2013 and later played with the Under 19, UEFA Under-19, reserve, and senior teams. During his time at AS Monaco, Kylian Mbappe scored 16 goals in a total of 41 appearances. 

Monaco’s French forward Kylian Mbappe smiles after the French L1 football match between Monaco (ASM) and Marseille (OM) on August 27, 2017, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Mbappe is now plying his trade for his hometown club, Paris Saint-Germain, after joining from AS Monaco in a deal which saw him become the second-most expensive player ever.

 

Thierry Henry 

Very few people knew about this. Thierry Henry, France’s talismanic striker, was once a part of AS Monaco. 

Henry started his career by playing for the youth side of AS Monaco. Then he played for Monaco B. The all-time great made his debut for the senior squad in 1994 and played until the summer of 1999.

23 Apr 2000: Thierry Henry of Arsenal celebrates during the FA Carling Premiership game between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road in Watford, England. The game finished 2-3 to Arsenal. Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport

During his time at the club, he appeared in 124 football matches scoring 26 goals with 2 assists.

Radamel Falcao

Widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, Radamel Falcao controversially signed for newly promoted Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in 2013 for a club record €60 million, despite interest from top European clubs. In the second half of his debut season, an ACL injury ruled him out for six months, and he spent the next two seasons on loan at Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea.

Rejoining AS Monaco in the summer of 2016, he regained his best form and led them to their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years.

The striker has scored 65 goals in 108 appearances for the club.

James Rodriguez

Did you know the Colombian wonderkid who lit up the 2010 FIFA World Cup with his amazing goals was a part of AS Monaco? 

The attacking midfielder was a part of AS Monaco during the 2013-14 season, where he played 38 games and scored 10 goals and 14 assists. 

HALEWOOD, ENGLAND – April 21: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) James Rodriguez during the Everton Training Session at USM Finch Farm on April 21 2021 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

In 2014, James moved from AS Monaco to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £63 million, which beat the record set by Radamel Falcao and made him the most expensive Colombian football player and one of the most expensive players at the time.

Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra is a French football coach and former professional player. Originally a forward, he primarily played as a left-back. 

SWANSEA, WALES – MARCH 03: Patrice Evra of West Ham United arrives prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Vieira, who began his career at Marsala, was once a part of AS Monaco. The former Manchester United captain played for the French team from 2002 to 2006 for a total of 120 games. With his solid defensive skills, the footballer managed to get his team to the 2004 Champions League final.

Dimitar Berbatov

Another former Manchester United player makes the list. Dimitar Berbatov, the Bulgarian footballer, was also a part of AS Monaco once upon a time. 

 

The athletic attacker played for Monaco during the 2014-15 season, scoring 13 goals in a total of 38 appearances. 

Yaya Toure

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré is an Ivorian professional football coach and former player who played as a midfielder. He is an academy coach for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

A dejected Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast is comforted by Yaya Toure after missing his penalty during the 2012 African Cup of Nations Final between Zambia and Ivory Coast at the Stade de l’Amitie in Libreville, Gabon. Photo: Ben Radford/Visionhaus (Photo by Ben Radford/Corbis via Getty Images)

The Ivory Coast midfielder was a part of AS Monaco during the 2006-07 season, playing a total of 27 matches and scoring 5 goals. 

Notable Mentions

Some of the notable mentions who were a part of AS Monaco include Emanuel Adebayor, Lilian Thuram, Takumi Minamino, Abdou Diallo, Benjamin Mendy and Ludovic Giuly.

Which player do you think was the most successful? Comment down your replies.

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