New Delhi: The 2024 summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. June has already seen a flurry of activity among Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga), setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic and dynamic market.
One of the most significant moves was Kylian Mbappe’s long-awaited transfer to Real Madrid. The French superstar has made no secret of his desire to play for Los Blancos, and the deal was finally completed to the delight of Madrid fans. Mbappe’s arrival is expected to bolster Real Madrid’s attacking options significantly, adding to an already potent forward line.
In another high-profile transfer, Juventus acquired Aston Villa’s star midfielder Douglas Luiz in a swap deal. The Brazilian midfielder’s move to Turin adds much-needed creativity and dynamism to the Bianconeri’s midfield. In exchange, Aston Villa received a promising young talent from Juventus’ youth set-up, showcasing the Italian club’s commitment to both immediate success and future potential.
As the transfer window progresses and the continental competitions draw to a close, the market is gaining momentum. European clubs are strategizing their moves to enhance their squads for the 2024/25 season.
Fans are eagerly anticipating further announcements and potential blockbuster deals, which will undoubtedly add excitement and anticipation to the upcoming season. The combination of big-money transfers, strategic acquisitions, and unexpected moves ensures that this summer’s transfer window will be one to remember.
1. Kylian Mbappe (PSG → Real Madrid)
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 09: Toni Kroos of Real Madrid battle for the ball with Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/ Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe’s long-anticipated move to Real Madrid finally materialised after years of speculation linking the French star with the Spanish giants. The 25-year-old forward, who famously reversed a transfer decision in 2022, officially joined Real Madrid as a free agent on June 3, 2024.
Despite reportedly accepting a reduced salary to join Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, Mbappe became the club’s highest earner, with annual wages estimated between €15 million (£13 million/$16 million) and €20 million (£17 million/$22 million).
Real Madrid confirmed the transfer with a succinct statement: “Real Madrid C.F. and Kylian Mbappé have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.”
2. Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa → Juventus)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team’s sixth goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on September 30, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Douglas Luiz has officially joined the Serie A club Juventus. The 26-year-old midfielder, who netted nine goals in 35 Premier League matches last season as Unai Emery’s side secured a fourth-place finish, has signed a five-year contract with Juve.
Aston Villa confirmed the sale of Luiz to Juventus in a deal valued at €50 million (£42 million), while Samuel Iling Jr. and Enzo Barrenechea moved to Villa in separate deals worth a combined €22 million (£19 million).
Over the past two league campaigns, Luiz has been a standout performer for Aston Villa. He created the most chances (98), set up the most shots from set-pieces (42), and recorded the most interceptions (63) and tackles (130) of any player in the squad. His departure marks a significant shift for both clubs as they adjust their rosters for the upcoming season.
3. Ian Maatsen (Chelsea → Aston Villa)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – APRIL 16: Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the 2-0 lead during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 16, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have proudly announced the signing of left-back Ian Maatsen from Premier League rivals Chelsea in a deal reportedly valued at £37.5 million. The Dutch international, who impressed during a season-long loan at Borussia Dortmund, notably featured in the Champions League final against Real Madrid last season.
Currently representing his nation at Euro 2024 in Germany, Maatsen becomes Unai Emery’s second summer acquisition following forward Lewis Dobbin’s move from Everton. Villa, having secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, are eagerly preparing for their upcoming Champions League campaign with ambitions to make a substantial impact on Europe’s elite stage.
4. Aleix Garcia (Girona → Bayer Leverkusen)
GIRONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 23: Aleix Garcia of Girona FC shots the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca at Montilivi Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Aleix Garcia has been a revelation at Girona. The Spaniard had nine goal contributions in 40 matches, catching the eye of various clubs all over Europe. Bayer Leverkusen had a terrific invincible season under Xabi Alonso, and they are looking to add a few more talented individuals who can help the German club maintain their prolific run in the Bundesliga.
They will play in the UEFA Champions League next season, making it incredibly important for the club to sign players who can create an impact on the multiple-competition scenario. Hence, the club picked Aleix Garcia to be one of the bricks on their wall.
German champion Bayer Leverkusen announced the acquisition of Spanish midfielder Aleix Garcia from Girona, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s third-place finish in La Liga.
The 26-year-old Garcia has committed to a five-year deal with Leverkusen, where he will reunite with Spanish coach Xabi Alonso.
“Aleix Garcia is a player with outstanding strategic ability, his passing is extremely accurate and he plays with great vision from holding midfield,” said Leverkusen’s sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.
5. Hiroki Ito (VFB Stuttgart → Bayern Munich)
STUTTGART, GERMANY – MAY 14: Hiroki Ito of VfB Stuttgart looks on during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 14, 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich has confirmed the acquisition of Japanese center-back Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart, with a contract extending until 2028 after reportedly activating his €30 million ($32 million) release clause.
At 25, Ito is an unexpected addition for Bayern and represents their first significant signing of the transfer window. He entered the Bundesliga merely two seasons ago from the Japanese club Jubilo Iwata for less than one million euros.
“It’s a great honour for me to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Ito stated in a prepared announcement.
Ito played a pivotal role in Stuttgart’s impressive recovery last season, elevating them from relegation contenders to securing a Champions League spot. Sebastian Hoeness’ squad finished second, just behind champions Bayer Leverkusen, surpassing Bayern, which failed to secure a trophy for the first time in 12 years. Having debuted for Japan in 2022, Ito has since earned 19 caps and netted one goal.
6. Daichi Kamada (Lazio → Crystal Palace)
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 27: Daichi Kamada of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on August 27, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Japan international Daichi Kamada has joined Crystal Palace on a two-year deal, pending international clearance. This free transfer from Lazio had been widely anticipated, as it became clear Kamada would not extend his stay in Serie A after just one season.
At Selhurst Park, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder will reunite with manager Oliver Glasner, under whom he thrived at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kamada was instrumental in Frankfurt’s Europa League victory in the 2021-22 season and accrued 40 goals and 33 assists in 179 appearances for the Bundesliga club.
7. Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid → Al Qadsiah)
MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 02: Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid kisses the UEFA Champions League trophy during the Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Trophy Parade following their victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final on June 02, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The 34-year-old defender, who joined Real Madrid at the age of 10, has won a joint-club record of 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles. He made his first-team debut in 2012.
Nacho had planned to leave Real Madrid during the winter transfer window of the 2023/24 season but chose to remain until the end of the season. As an iconic figure in Madrid’s history, he has won every possible trophy and has been one of the club’s most reliable players over the past decade.
Known for his versatility in defence, Nacho helped Los Blancos secure results in tough situations. Now, seeking a starting role as he nears retirement, he has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. As a marquee signing, Nacho is expected to captain the team in the upcoming season, though his salary has yet to be disclosed.
8. Igor Thiago (Club Brugge → Brentford)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 30: Igor Thiago of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League match between Besiktas JK and Club Brugge on November 30, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Igor Thiago has joined Premier League side Brentford from Club Brugge in a club-record £30 million deal. The 23-year-old becomes the club’s first Brazilian player and their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Upon his arrival, Thiago expressed his ambition to “make history” in West London, following an impressive stint in Belgium. He had 35 goal contributions in 55 appearances last season in the Jupiler Pro League (Belgian first-division league). He was eyed by big clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, but Brentford’s effort to break the bank to get him signifies the club’s intention to stay in the Premier League contention.
9. Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham → Chelsea)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on February 24, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea have secured the signing of centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from West London rivals Fulham on a free transfer, as announced by the Premier League club on Friday.
Adarabioyo, 26, will begin his four-year contract at Stamford Bridge on 1 July. He has represented England at the under-19 level and has 78 Premier League appearances to his name. He is the first addition to the squad under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who was appointed earlier this week. Adarabioyo’s arrival will reinforce Chelsea’s defence following the exit of veteran Thiago Silva.
10. Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City → Chelsea)
COBHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 2: Chelsea unveil new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Cobham Training Ground on July 2, 2024 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea have announced the signing of Kieran Dewsbury-Hall on July 2, 2024. They have reached an agreement to sign Leicester City midfielder for a fee of around £30 million.
Dewsbury-Hall, who will reunite with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, is scheduled to undergo a medical before finalising a six-year contract. The 25-year-old was instrumental for Maresca last season and is viewed as a perfect match for Chelsea’s playing style.
Last season, he netted 12 goals and played a crucial role in Leicester’s Championship victory. Leicester have since lost Maresca and Desbury-Hall to Chelsea. The transfer fee for Dewsbury-Hall will be recorded as pure profit for Leicester, as he is an academy graduate.
As the transfer window progresses and the continental competitions draw to a close, check out the deals that took place in June 2024. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
