Star Movements in Football: Analysis of Key Signings
Premier League clubs increased their investment in the January market to £370 million, surpassing the £100 million of the previous year. 2023 marked a record of £815 million, but will we see a similar increase this summer? This year, the transfer market was divided in two due to the Club World Cup. The first window was from June 1 to June 10, with a six-day break before reopening on June 16. International agreements without participation in the Club World Cup and free transfers were finalized from July 1.Next, we analyze the most outstanding signings in men’s football, ordered by date and price:
July 5
JAMIE GITTENS
Borussia Dortmund: A Chelsea: C+ Gittens had a curious 2024-25 season. He was one of Dortmund’s best players before Christmas, with nine goals in the Bundesliga and three assists. However, his role diminished after the winter break. Chelsea signed him for his potential, quick movements, and improvement in finishing, but he still has a lot to learn.July 4th
JONATHAN DAVID
Lille: D Juventus: A- After five goal-scoring seasons with Lille, David achieves his big transfer. Juventus seems like a good destination, and his salary is reasonable. However, Lille loses a key player without obtaining revenue.July 2
JOÃO PEDRO
Brighton: B+ Chelsea: B- Pedro joins Jackson and Delap at Chelsea, forming a versatile attack. His game is more subtle, offering goals and playmaking. Brighton was well compensated for his loss.ÁLEX BAENA
Villarreal: B+ Atlético Madrid: B- Baena is one of the most creative players in Spain, with a large number of assists and chances created. His signing could amount to 50 million euros. However, there is doubt about how he will fit into the playing style of Atletico Madrid.JARELL QUANSAH
Liverpool: B Bayer Leverkusen: B Quansah joins the Bundesliga. Leverkusen needed a young defender after Tah’s departure. Liverpool got a good sum for their youth player.July 1st
JEREMIE FRIMPONG
Bayer Leverkusen: C Liverpool: A- Liverpool opted for a different player than Alexander-Arnold. Frimpong is more of a winger who must now adapt to a position he hasn’t occupied in years. Liverpool made a smart deal, but Leverkusen loses an excellent player below his market value.
Hislop: Frimpong is a direct replacement for Trent
Shaka Hislop reacts to the news that Liverpool is signing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.JOAN GARCÍA
Spanish: C- Barcelona: A García is a prominent young goalkeeper. Barcelona seems to be thinking about the future with this signing, despite having Ter Stegen and Szczesny. It’s an unmissable market opportunity.KEPA ARRIZABALAGA
Chelsea: C Arsenal: A Arsenal signed Kepa for a low price, obtaining an experienced and reliable goalkeeper. For Chelsea, it’s the end of a very unsuccessful signing.ANSU FATI
Barcelona: B+ AS Monaco: C+ Injuries have affected Fati’s career. Barcelona could not afford his contract. Monaco covers part of his salary in a loan.KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Manchester City: C- Napoli: B+ The City did not receive income from De Bruyne’s departure. Napoli signed an experienced midfielder, but the lack of longevity prevents a higher rating.June 28
PAUL POGBA
AS Monaco: A- At 32 years old, and after a suspension, it’s difficult to know what Pogba can offer. Monaco assumes little risk.June 26
MILOS KERKEZ
Bournemouth: B Liverpool: A- Kerkez has great potential. Liverpool seeks to repeat Robertson’s success. The price could be better for Liverpool.June 20
FLORIAN WIRTZ
Bayer Leverkusen: A+ Liverpool: B Wirtz is an exceptional young player. The price is very high, which generates high expectations. Leverkusen made a great deal.June 14
MATHYS TEL
Bayern Munich: A- Tottenham Hotspur: B Tottenham paid 35 million euros for Tel. Bayern profited from a player who did not develop.
Vickery: Mastantuono shows signs of a young Zidane
Tim Vickery talks about Franco Mastantuono, from River Plate, before the Club World Cup.June 13
FRANCO MASTANTUONO
River Plate: A Real Madrid: A Mastantuono is a new promise of River Plate. Real Madrid secures a talented young player.June 12
LEROY SANÉ
Bayern Munich: C Galatasaray: A Galatasaray signed Sané to a three-year contract. Bayern will regret his loss.MATHEUS CUNHA
Wolves: A Man United: B Cunha adapts to the support role in the 3-4-3. He is a player at his best.
How would Reijnders and Cherki fit into Man City’s starting eleven?
Julien Laurens presents a possible starting lineup for Manchester City next season.June 10
TIJJANI REIJNDERS
AC Milan: B Manchester City: A- Reijnders is an elegant player. City paid 55 million euros. Milan needs income.RAYAN CHERKI
Lyon: C+ Manchester City: A Cherki joins City. City needs to fill De Bruyne’s gap. Lyon needs revenue.JOBE BELLINGHAM
Sunderland: B Borussia Dortmund: B+ Jobe Bellingham follows in his brother’s footsteps. Dortmund expects a new success.June 9
RAYAN AÏT-NOURI
Wolves: C+ Man City: A The City signed Aït-Nouri for 33 million pounds. He is a great ball carrier.JONATHAN TAH
Bayer Leverkusen: C- Bayern Munich: B- Tah left Leverkusen to join Bayern. Bayern paid a high sum for his signing.June 6th
LUIS HENRIQUE
Marseille: B Inter: B+ Inter and Marseille reached an agreement for Luis Henrique. Marseille needed to sell to avoid a financial infraction.June 5th
GABRI VEIGA
Al Ahli: D FC Porto: A Veiga returns to Europe. Porto improved their midfield.
Will Liam Delap be able to improve his game at Chelsea?
The “ESPN FC” team debates whether Chelsea is taking too much risk by signing Liam Delap as a long-term solution for their attack.June 4th
LIAM DELAP
Ipswich Town: C Chelsea: A- Delap caught the eye in his first season in the Premier League. Chelsea took advantage of his release clause.June 3
CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER
Liverpool: B- Brentford: A Kelleher joins Brentford. Brentford made a great signing.June 2
ESSUGO DIARY
Sporting CP: C- Chelsea: B+ Essugo is part of a wider agreement. His performances suggest that Chelsea made a good deal.
Marcotti: Huijsen’s £50 million release clause is “like a free transfer”
Gab Marcotti discusses Dean Huijsen’s transfer to Real Madrid from Bournemouth.June 1st
DEAN HUIJSEN
AFC Bournemouth: A Real Madrid: A Madrid signed Huijsen after his great season. Bournemouth was well compensated.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Liverpool: D Real Madrid: A Real Madrid paid 12 million euros. Liverpool at least got something.GIORGI MAMARDASHVILI
Valencia: B Liverpool: A- Liverpool signed Mamardashvili. The price was favorable for Liverpool.ESTÊVÃO
Palmeiras: A- Chelsea: A Estêvão is a very exciting player. Palmeiras kept him for the Club World Cup.ERIC DIER
Bayern Munich: C AS Monaco: B+ Dier is leaving Bayern. Monaco hopes he will lead the team.
