Football transfer windows are always full of thrill, speculations, and surprises.
Teams from all over Europe to beyond are reshuffling their squads in hope of gaining an edge.
But which players should we really be watching this season?
Here’s a breakdown of the top transfers that could shape football’s landscape for months to come.
Big Moves in Major Leagues
Transfers have made or broken a team’s season.
This year, some of the biggest moves have generated hot debates, and by all means, people are ready to see how these new signings will contribute to their teams.
Don’t get left behind in promotions like the Just Markets No Deposit Bonus as you go about keeping tabs on these cream players.
1. Harry Kane to Bayern Munich
Perhaps the biggest shock so far this season has been Harry Kane leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich, a man who, for the best part of over a decade, has been one of the great strikers and the face of Tottenham.
What nobody ever really pondered was whether he would ever, ever leave the Premier League?
Today, he finds himself in Germany, leading Bayern’s attack.
One question, though remains: Can Kane finally win some silverware with Bayern? Started well as he scored in his debut for the club.
2. Declan Rice to Arsenal
One transfer stealing the headlines is that of Declan Rice moving from West Ham to Arsenal.
Arsenal spent in excess of £100 million on Rice as many anticipate him strengthening their midfield.
Given how close Arsenal came to the title last season in the Premier League, adding a strong presence like Rice could be the final piece of their jigsaw.
He will be under pressure to justify his hefty price tag, but if his performances for West Ham are anything to go by, he may prove to be precisely what Arsenal need to mount an assault on the silverware this coming season.
Most Expensive Transfers
Money speaks in football, and the just-ended transfer window wasn’t an exception. Here’s a comparison of the most expensive transfers this season:
While big names like Kane and Rice dominate the headlines, several young players have made major moves as well.
These players may not have the star power yet, but they are certainly ones to watch this season.
1. Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid
The transfer of Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid is an especially intriguing one.
At 20 years old, he has already emerged as one of the best in his position.
That ability to control a game offensively and defensively has drawn comparisons with greats like Steven Gerrard.
Real Madrid spent €100 million on him, and the hype is that he will replace the gap that would be created for aging superstars such as Luka Modrić.
2. Rasmus Højlund to Manchester United
Meet 20-year-old Danish striker Højlund, who boomed into news the moment Manchester United signed him from Atalanta for £72 million.
Many have compared him to Erling Haaland, another Scandinavian striker who has stormed the gates of Premier League.
United is pinning its hope on the potential of Højlund to spearhead their attack and also make sure United’s title rivals.
But his forward playing nature along with the instinct for goal-scoring may turn out to be the unlocking keys for United’s success.
Clubs Strengthening Their Midfield
Midfielders do not receive as much limelight as those players who score goals, but they are extremely important to determine the tempo and strategies of a team.
Many clubs have turned their attention to this sector.
1. Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea
Chelsea paid the British record transfer fee for Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo of £115m. This move underlines Chelsea’s rebuilding ambition after a disappointing season.
Caicedo is a dynamic defensive midfielder, good at disrupting opponents’ play and quickly transitioning to attack.
Yet to be seen is how he will balance Chelsea and lead them again to the top of the Premier League.
2. Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister signed for Liverpool from Brighton this summer after winning the World Cup with Argentina, for a fee of £35m.
Mac Allister should refresh the ability that creates attacks by Liverpool. The mid-field system will have lacked Fabinho and Jordan Henderson since they left.
Under-the-Radar Transfers
Some transfers may not fill the headlines as much but can still have a serious impact. Here are a couple of under-the-radar transfers to keep an eye on.
1. Loïs Openda to RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig secured Loïs Openda from Lens for a deal worth €40 million. Openda is a young Belgian forward who was one of the breakout stars in Ligue 1 last season, netting 21 goals.
Leipzig develop a good reputation for bringing through young talent, and Openda may just flourish in their attack.
2. Timothy Castagne to Fulham
A more modest signing, Timothy Castagne signed for Fulham from Leicester City for £15 million. Fulham have been looking for a good full-back, and Castagne is just that.
He was always a steady presence for Leicester, and his experience might help Fulham firm things up at the back.
Conclusion
It has been one of those transfer windows, filled with pretty big deals and young talent making audacious moves.
I personally believe that the two deals that are going to make a big impact on their teams are Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo, given that these midfielders are to run the tempo of their games.
With these transfers, the ensuing season promises to be one full of excitement, competition, and perhaps surprises.
