By Matija Šerić
The tense, volatile and unpredictable football summer transfer window in most European leagues is finally over. Although the speculation about the moves of top players from one club to another is initially exciting, in the long run it turns into gossip that often has little to do with reality, and least of all with football. Now that it’s clear who has gone where or stayed, the accounts can be settled. We have put together a list of the ten best summer transfers. The main criterion used was the balance between the price paid and the quality received.
Number 10 – Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s move from Manchester United to Barcelona was done in the form of a one-year loan with an option to buy for €35 million. Although he is one of the best wingers in the world, Rashford fell out of favor under Ruben Amorim. First he was sent on loan to Aston Villa last winter, and then in the summer to Barcelona. Obviously, there was a clash of character between the manager and the 27-year-old player. Amorim stated that he wouldn’t give playing time to someone “who doesn’t give his maximum.” It’s clear Rashford has grown tired of life in Manchester. In Barcelona, he could revive his career.
The beginning wasn’t good. In the three matches he has played so far, he hasn’t particularly impressed. On the pitch he was shy, hardly noticeable, playing only safe passes and not creating an advantage in play. It must be taken into account that he has arrived in a new environment and needs time to adapt to Spanish football, which is different from English football. Over time, he should find his form and show his class. However, since it is only a loan, if Rashford fails to prove himself, Barcelona will not suffer financial consequences.
Number 9 – Paul Pogba
French midfielder Paul Pogba arrived at AS Monaco in June as a free agent. For those who haven’t closely followed football in recent years, this sounds unbelievable. But such were the circumstances. Pogba last played a professional match in spring 2023 for Juventus. In September of that year, he was accused of using banned substances (doping) and was suspended for 18 months. The ban has now expired and the 32-year-old is available again. Once upon a time, Pogba – equally good with both feet – was regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the world while playing for Juventus and Manchester United, but injuries and doping kept him away from the pitch. According to Transfermarkt, in 2019 his market value was €100 million, while now it is only €5 million.
Pogba would have fit well in the Manchester clubs, or even back at Juventus, but they didn’t go for him, clearly not believing in his abilities. Monaco, however, got a world-class player for free, whose real value is far above €5 million. If he returns and plays at a high level in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, Pogba could once again become a hit player. The Monegasques could sell him for a big fee next summer to a top club.
Number 8 – Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s transfer from PSG to Manchester City was worth €30 million. It happened on the last day of the transfer window. The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper is one of the best in the world. His shot-stopping ability was largely responsible for PSG’s Champions League triumph this year, as well as Italy’s Euro 2021 victory. Although he is a top-class keeper, his weakness is coming out for crosses in the penalty area, where he sometimes blunders, allowing opponents easy goals. The relatively low transfer fee is precisely due to those flaws in his game. Pep Guardiola got himself a great deal, and the shaken City side will need a goalkeeper who excels in shot-stopping – which the Italian certainly does. Donnarumma should fit well into his new environment, though adapting to the different mentality of the English compared to Italians will be a challenge.
Baena in Atlético
Number 7 – Álex Baena
Álex Baena’s transfer from Villarreal to Atlético Madrid cost €42 million. He is one of the best young Spanish wingers, capable of playing on both flanks and even as a number 10. In the past two seasons, he dazzled with his performances for the Yellow Submarine: he created 176 chances and recorded 36 assists. Clearly, his creativity is at an extremely high level – the kind most can only dream of. Although relatively short (174 cm), this often helps him break through opposition defenses. The question is how Baena will fit into Diego Simeone’s team, which often plays a defensive brand of football, but creativity is precisely what Atlético has been lacking most. If deployed properly in the formation, Baena should only get better in the coming seasons.
Alexander-Arnold in Real
Number 6 – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid was worth only €10 million. That is an unreal figure (he is valued at €75 million), but logical since he didn’t want to sign a new contract with the Reds. Liverpool did well to even get that €10 million, as the Royal Club signed Alexander-Arnold before his contract expired on June 30, because they wanted him available for the FIFA Club World Cup. The 26-year-old right-back decided to leave Liverpool after two decades in various club selections. He is a top-class player, among the five best right-backs in the world. He moves from box to box and knows exactly what to do at the right time. The only thing that could halt his progress is injury. A brilliant piece of business by Real’s management, who didn’t have a tough job since the Englishman wanted to join them.
