The summer transfer window has officially closed, bringing an end to the flurry of activity among Europe’s top football clubs. It was a summer of big spending for clubs like Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, with significant moves and acquisitions shaping the upcoming season. From marquee signings to unexpected deals, the transfer market was full of surprises and excitement.
Some standout transfers include Euro 2024 stars Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino joining Arsenal, Federico Chiesa boosting Liverpool’s attacking options, and Manchester United making sensible additions under the new INEOS era.
But amidst the big-money moves, who were the best signings of the window? Which deals flew under the radar? Here are the thoughts of five writers from The Athletic on the standout moments of the summer transfer window.
Best Signing
Mark Carey: Joshua Zirkzee could be a key player for Manchester United, bringing cohesion to their attack. While not a prolific goalscorer, Zirkzee’s ability to involve others could have a significant impact.
Oliver Kay: Despite the huge spending, the best deals may come from younger players like Yankuba Minteh, Leny Yoro, Archie Gray, and Lucas Bergvall, who offer potential and excitement rather than immediate certainty.
Seb Stafford-Bloor: Tottenham’s Bergvall is a young talent with the skill and ambition to evolve quickly and become a game-changer for the club.
James Horncastle: Loyalty plays a role in the best signings, with players like Nico Williams and Paulo Dybala choosing to stay at their clubs despite lucrative offers elsewhere.
Thom Harris: Mats Wieffer’s move to Brighton stands out as a game-changing addition, bringing drive and versatility to the team.
Most Surprising Signing
Kay: Newcastle’s deals for Odysseas Vlachodimos and Elliot Anderson were unexpected, as were the late moves between Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Everton.
Horncastle: The summer saw a host of surprising deals, from Roma signing a Saudi player to players like De Ligt and Mazraoui joining Manchester United.
Stafford-Bloor: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s move to Chelsea raised eyebrows, with questions about his playing time amidst stiff competition.
Harris: Rayo Vallecano securing James Rodriguez was a surprising move given his recent form and success at the Copa America.
Best Window
Stafford-Bloor: RB Leipzig’s bold moves and focus on retaining key players make them a standout in the transfer market.
Harris: Brighton’s proactive approach in the market, alongside other clubs like Villarreal, showcases strong recruitment and squad-building strategies.
Horncastle: Teams like Leverkusen and Inter Milan excelled in retaining their top talent, while Chelsea’s selling strategy and Juventus’ youth development were also noteworthy.
Kay: Meanwhile, clubs like West Ham and Tottenham made significant signings, though the impact remains to be seen.
Yankuba Minteh should prove an astute pick-up for Brighton (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Worst Window
Kay: Everton’s constrained business highlighted the challenges they faced in bolstering their squad amidst ownership issues.
Carey: Wolverhampton Wanderers’ losses of key players like Kilman and Pedro Neto raised concerns about their squad depth.
Harris: Over-performing teams like Girona and Bologna faced challenges in holding onto their star players despite promising campaigns.
Stafford-Bloor: Everton’s underwhelming moves, coupled with unresolved issues, painted a bleak picture for the club’s future.
Deal You Wanted But Didn’t Happen
Stafford-Bloor: Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and his potential move went unrealized, prompting thoughts of what could have been.
Horncastle: The move of Matt O’Riley to Atalanta would have been a perfect fit, but he ended up elsewhere at Brighton.
Harris: The absence of Richard Rios’s transfer was disappointing, given his talent showcased at the Copa America.
Carey: Liverpool missed out on Zubimendi, a player with exceptional technical ability who could have made a significant impact.
Transfers To Watch For in January
Carey: Chaos may continue at Chelsea, leading to loan moves and reevaluations of the squad.
Kay: Nottingham Forest could be eyeing a new goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window.
Harris: Barcelona’s injury concerns could prompt interesting midfield moves in January.
Horncastle: An intriguing scenario involving Lukaku returning to Chelsea could unfold, adding to the transfer drama.
Stafford-Bloor: Scott McTominay might be one to watch for a loan move to Nottingham Forest in January.
(Top photos: Getty Images)
