10 best transfers around Europe so far this summer, including £200m Real Madrid duo, Man United new-boy and £107m Barcelona star

Posted by

Joao Felix – (Benfica to Atletico Madrid)

Atletico Madrid sent shock-waves throughout the footballing world when they purchased teenage midfielder Joao Felix from Benfica for a whopping £113 million earlier this month, beating a number of top clubs to his signature in the process – as per the Daily Mirror.

The 19-year-old contributed 15 goals and seven assists to Benfica’s cause in 25 Primeira appearances last season and also had a big impact during their run to the Europa League quarterfinals.

A superb hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight confirmed that Felix was the real deal and Atletico supporters can now look forward to watching his talent grow at Wanda Metropolitano.

The Portuguese midfielder has been billed as the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but in truth, he shares more in common with former Brazilian footballer Kaka, who is widely revered as one of the best all-round players in history.

Felix will have to prove he was worth Atletico’s sizeable investment quickly next season or risk being branded an expensive flop, but he has already displayed a maturity which belies his tender age and his quality is undeniable.

Luka Jovic (Eintracht Frankfurt to Real Madrid)

Real Madrid relied far too heavily on ageing striker Karim Benzema last season, amid a worrying goal drought for the likes of Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vasquez.

Zinedine Zidane decided that Serbian forward Luka Jovic was the answer to Madrid’s attacking woes and the club duly forked out £52.4 million to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu on a five-year deal, as per Sky Sports.

The 21-year-old spent the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Frankfurt from Benfica before the German club exercised their option to sign him permanently.

Jovic netted 17 goals in 35 Bundesliga games for Frankfurt last season, helping them compete for a place in the top four while also reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.

The Serbia international is physically imposing and has a superb eye for goal, with the ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play and if he can combine well with Hazard next season, Madrid could well fight for trophies on all fronts once again.

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal to Juventus)

Aaron Ramsey signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus back in February, which will see him earn £400,000 per week at the Allianz Stadium – as per BBC Sport.

The Welshman was officially unveiled in Turin last week, completing a free transfer from Arsenal after being told he could leave the club at the end of his existing contract.

Ramsey was arguably Arsenal’s best player last season, racking up 40 appearances across all competitions before being struck down with an injury in April.

The 28-year-old was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League during his 11-year stay at Emirates Stadium and the Gunners will surely be kicking themselves for letting him go for nothing.

However, their loss is Juve’s gain and Italian football might suit Ramsey’s creative, combative style of play down to the ground, while also giving him the opportunity to pick up major honours across all competitions.

Ander Herrera (Manchester United to PSG)

Ander Herrera should prove a quality free transfer

The Red Devils wanted to retain Ander Herrera’s services for at least another year but were unable to negotiate terms on a new contract amid concerns his wage demands were too high.

Step forward PSG, who secured the Spaniard’s signature on a five-year contract on July 5, which will see him remain in France until he reaches the age of 34.

Allowing such a talented and influential player to leave will have surely stung for United, who have been otherwise short of standout performers in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Herrera always gave his all for the club and his tenacity helped motivate the players around him and drive the team forward during even the darkest moments, which is why he was named Player of the Year at Old Trafford in 2017.

The Spain international will surely thrive in Ligue 1, but he could also help PSG make great strides forward in the Champions League, giving Thomas Tuchel’s side an edge in midfield which they lacked all too often last term.

Rodri (Atletico Madrid to Manchester City)

Manchester City decided to pay the £62.5 release clause in Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri’s contract at the start of July, ending Pep Guardiola’s search for a new holding player.

The Spanish boss had previously made no secret of his desire to bring in a midfielder capable of competing with Fernandinho for a spot in his starting XI, with the Brazilian approaching the latter stages of his career at 34.

Rodri put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Etihad and his arrival pushes City one step closer towards perfection, adding to a squad brimming with world-class talent.

The 23-year-old only spent one year with Atletico, but he was a key part of Diego Simeone’s line up, helping the team finish second in La Liga while also reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Rodri has been compared to Barcelona playmaker Sergio Busquets, due to his expert positional sense and exceptional passing range. He should slot into Guardiola’s side perfectly come August, especially if he enjoys a strong pre-season with the Premier League champions.

Next Page
Page 2 of 2
Prev Page
More Stories Aaron Ramsey Aaron Wan-Bissaka Ander Herrera Antoine Griezmann Eden Hazard Joao Felix Luka Jovic Matthijs de Ligt Rodri Tanguy Ndombele