Compiled by Ranjika Perera
Here we’ll look back on what was a bizarre and exciting Summer Transfer Window in the footballing world
1. Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Barcelona: Free transfer
Probably the most unexpected and most attractive transfer of the year, Messi was destined to finish his career at Camp Nou. There was no doubt until Barcelona messed up their financials. Guess who benefitted? Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint German. They landed arguably the best player in the world with no transfer fee? Not only that, they have already covered up his wage bill, by just selling his jersey within a few days. Arguably the biggest bargain deal in the history of football.
2. Christiano Ronaldo to Manchester United from Juventus: € 15 m (Rs. 3.5 b)
Would you ever imagine, the two modern greats switching clubs in the same transfer window? Well, in these bizarre times anything is possible. Such was the move that saw Christiano Ronaldo, the prodigal son, returning to the Old Trafford. It wasn’t a smooth transfer; for a moment he appeared to be on his way to the Blue side of Manchester. Conversations with former players and Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly swayed Ronaldo’s decision.
3. Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea from Inter Milan: € 115 m (Rs. 27 b)
Once a discard from Chelsea made a grand return for a record amount. Lukaku’s last stint in the Premier League saw him do well for Manchester United. He went on to stamp his name as one of the best strikers in the world in the Serie A, with Inter Milan. The Blues lacked the finishing touches last season due to the lack of form in the likes of Timo Werner. With such a great price comes high expectations. Lukaku will be worth the price if he keeps scoring like he has the past few seasons.
4. Jadon Sancho to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund: € 85 m (Rs. 5.9 b)
After years of rumours and fans running out of patience to see Jason Sancho at Old Trafford, the winger finally reached home this summer. Dortmund released the young English winger for a hefty fee, after a two successful seasons with the German giants. Sancho will benefit from a talented attacking group at Manchester United and, with Ronaldo’s presence, he has the platform to become one of the best in the league.
5. Jack Grealish to Manchester City from Aston Villa: £ 100 m (Rs. 27.5 b)
Jack Grealish is undoubtedly the most famous footballer in England. During the European Championship, the crowds chanted his name pleading Gareth Southgate to play him. With all this hype, and obvious talent, he was bound to leave his childhood club, Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola stepped in and sealed the deal for the highest-ever transfer in the Premier League. However, Man City has to be disappointed with this outcome. The club was linked to Messi, Ronaldo, and Harry Kane only to end up settling for a mid-fielder. However, it does not take away the class and potential of Grealish.
6. Raphael Varane to Manchester United from Real Madrid: € 41 m (Rs. 9.6 b)
Manchester United had one of the better transfer windows as of late. They almost secured all the weak points in the side. The backline clearly got the upgrade it needed with World Cup-winning Raphael Varane. The defender has experience winning at the highest level and Champions League success as well. He was announced in a grand manner when Man Unite kicked off their season at the Old Trafford against Leeds.
7. Gianluigi Donnarumma to PSG from AC Milan: Free transfer
European Champion Donnarumma had an eventful summer with Italy lifting Euro 2020. His heroics during the penalty shootout of the Euro 2020 final against England, basically won the championship for Italy. PSG got one of the best young goal-keepers in the world and Donnarumma has a chance to mature under the experienced Kaylor Navaz at the Paris club.
8. Sergio Ramos to PSG from Real Madrid: Free transfer
Another big win for Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos did not get a contract extension from Real Madrid, and PSG grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The veteran Spanish defender is a born winner, he knows how to win and he has won so many with the Los Blancos. PSG will be hoping he can emulate that and bring glory to their club.
9. Achraf Hakimi to PSG from Inter Milan: € 70 m (Rs. 16.5 b)
This was on the cards for a couple of seasons. One would argue it was huge fee for a relatively unproven player, but Hakimi provides versatility for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. This transfer window has made PSG one of the stronger clubs in Europe with good squad-depth. They could be in contention of winning their first-ever Champions League this year and Hakimi will surely be an asset in their course.
10. Sergio Aguero to Barcelona from Manchester City: Free transfer
Sergio Aguero’s dream to play alongside his fellow countrymen and friend Lionel Messi was on the cards after his free transfer. But Messi had to leave due to Barca’s financial struggles. Aguero on his own makes sense for Barcelona as an experienced goal scorer. Given Barca’s wage problems, a free transfer is always good.
11. Memphis Depay to Barcelona from Lyon: Free transfer
Depay was a big fish for Barcelona. He was supposed to propel Barcelona to glory alongside Messi and Antoine Griezmann. That dream didn’t last long when both Messi and Griezmann left Barca. But Dutch attacker is still a valuable asset for Barca. He gets paired up with former Netherlands Manager Ronald Koeman, who knows how to unlock Depay’s abilities best.