September 5 – The summer transfer window has once again showcased the financial powerhouses of European and global football, as clubs combined for a total spend of $6.45 billion.
Despite the decline in spending from last season, the number of transfers reached a new record high, with more than 12,000 transfers in men’s and women’s professional football combined over the course of the summer window.
In the men’s game, the total 11,000 transfers marked a 4.86% increase from 2023, even if the overall spend was almost $1billion lower.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 transfers to command the largest transfer fees. It is worth noting that high-profile free transfers or loans such as Real Madrid’s signing of Kylian Mbappe and Galatasary-bound Victor Osimhen have not been included as no fee was exchanged between clubs.
Julián Alvarez topped the list of the most expensive transfers of the summer, moving from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid in LaLiga for €75 million. The 24-year-old centre-forward, valued at €90 million by Transfermarkt, represents a significant investment for the Spanish club, who are betting on his potential to become one of the leading strikers in Europe.
Dominic Solanke’s switch to Tottenham Hotspur from Bournemouth for €64.30 million broke the club’s record for a transfer fee, which drew criticism considering the player’s €40 million market value. The England-Nigeria dual national, now 26, impressed last season with 19 Premier League goals for former club Bournemouth, developing into a prolific centre-forward that Spurs are banking on to spearhead their attack for the coming season.
Leny Yoro’s €62 million switch to Manchester United highlights the growing trend of investing in youth. The highly-rated 18-year-old centre-back is seen as a long-term solution to United’s defensive concerns, with Real Madrid and Liverpool also interested in the young Frenchman this summer.
Pedro Neto joined Chelsea…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/09/05/summer-transfer-window-big-money-went/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-09-05 09:49:35
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