Aug 30, 2024, 6:02 PM ET
It was a frenetic closing of the Transfer Market in Europe and although some steal the media power, there are also others who deserve more attention, here are some examples
The transfer window for the 2024-25 season in the main leagues of the Old Continent closed this Friday and signings such as those of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid, Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix to Chelsea and Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester Unitedamong others, have stolen the spotlight. However, there have also been transfers that have received little attention, but which seem to have a bright future with their new teams.
Here are 10 signings that had less of an impact than the big stars, but look very promising.
Joshua Zirkzee in action for Manchester United Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Club anterior: Wolves
Transfer value: US$67 million
The Portuguese winger left Wolverhampton after five seasons and became one of Chelsea’s most expensive signings in recent years. Neto, 24, is slowly earning minutes at the Blues, and in his first two games in the 2024-25 Premier League he has offered details of his quality that suggest that the Portuguese has the ability to earn a key role at Stamford Bridge.
Club anterior: Everton
Transfer value: US$66 million
At just 23 years old, the Belgian midfielder was one of the most expensive transfers of the current market, however, his arrival at Aston Villa did not receive the same attention as other high-dollar signings. Onana made his debut for Aston Villa with a goal in the first matchday of the Premier League and his signing looks very promising.
Club anterior: Crystal Palace
Transfer value: US$ 59 million
The silver medallist with the French national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics has signed with Bayern Munich and the Bavarian board believes that the Frenchman has the qualities to establish himself as one of the key players in the squad. With two games in Munich, Olise already boasts an assist.
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Previous club: Stade Rennais
Transfer value: US$56 million
Doué is considered one of the new jewels of French football, so PSG did not hesitate to pay more than fifty million dollars for his services. Désiré, who was also part of the France that won the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was in the orbit of some of the best clubs in Europe, but finally it was PSG that managed to get his services.
Club anterior: Barcelona
Transfer value: US$11 million
The Mexican footballer did the preseason with Barcelona, but he failed to convince Hansi Flick, so Bournemouth went for the services of the former LA Galaxy player. Araujo has already played two games with his new club and in the victory against Newcastle in the second matchday of the Premier League, the Aztec was a starter and had a good performance.
Mexican Julián Araujo had his first minutes in the Premier League with Bournemouth. Getty Images
Club anterior: Leeds
Transfer value: US$42 million
At just 18, Gray is seen by many fans as one of the hottest prospects in world football. The Durham native left Leeds to join Spurs and Archie stands out for his influence on the game from his midfield position, but what stands out most is his maturity on the pitch despite his young age.
Previous club: Bologna
Transfer value: US$47.5 million
The former Serie A player decided to accept Erik ten Hag’s proposal to join Manchester United, a team that in the 2024-25 season aims to fight for the top spots in the Premier League again. Joshua, originally from the Netherlands, made his debut in England with a goal against Fulham and is shaping up to be the centre forward that Red Devils fans dreamed of.
Previous club: Porto
Transfer value: US$41 million
The Brazilian striker spent four seasons with Porto before being signed by Bournemouth and in his first Premier League game, Evanilson managed to win the admiration of his new manager, Andoni Iraola. “It will take time to adapt to the intensity of the league, to the pace. But I loved what I saw. He was very close to scoring a couple of times. I won’t judge him only on the goals. He helped us play better and that is the main objective for everyone who starts a game,” said Iraola.
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Club anterior: Stuttgart
Transfer value: US$20 million
Guirassy was one of the big stars of the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign, scoring 28 goals in 28 league games. At 28 years old, Serhou will seek to be Dortmund’s new offensive reference and although an injury has not allowed him to debut this season, Guirassy is very close to returning to the pitch.
Club anterior: Monaco
Transfer value: US$22 million
Fofana was one of Manchester United’s main targets in the transfer window, but AC Milan have won over the French midfielder who has emerged as one of the most outstanding players in his position. Fofana is 25 years old and seems to have all the qualities needed to position himself as one of the best footballers in Serie A.
