Published By: Akashdeep

From Julian Alvarez to Joao Neves, Examining the Most Expensive Transfers of the Summer

Credit: Daily Mail

A peek at the summer transfers!

The 2024 transfer window has witnessed major clubs investing heavily to strengthen their squads. This period has seen several high-profile transfers with significant price tags. Here’s a rundown of the top most expensive signings of the 2024 summer window.

Julian Alvarez (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid) – £82 million plus add-ons

Julian Alvarez, widely celebrated for his remarkable achievement of winning every major trophy in football, has earned acclaim for his extensive collection of titles, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup. Despite his exceptional skill as a striker, he often played second fiddle to Erling Haaland at Manchester City. Though not always a regular starter, Alvarez consistently delivered impressive performances and made significant statistical contributions. For the 2024-25 season, Atletico Madrid broke their transfer record to sign Alvarez, hoping to bolster their squad with his proven talent.

Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspurs) – £55 million plus £10 million add-ons

Tanguy N’dombele was Tottenham Hotspur’s record signing in 2019, but the club has now broken that record with the acquisition of Dominic Solanke. After a stellar season with Bournemouth, where he scored 21 goals across all competitions—19 of them in the Premier League—Solanke has demonstrated his ability to shine at the highest level. His impressive performance has made him a valuable addition for Spurs as they seek to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Lenny Yoro (Lille to Manchester United) – £52.2 million plus £7 million add-ons

Real Madrid nearly secured the signing of Lenny Yoro, but Manchester United managed to swoop in and acquire him instead. With INEOS now at the helm of Manchester United, the club has made several impressive acquisitions. Yoro, who was a dependable defensive presence for Lille last season, showed his skills with strong performances in Ligue 1, including key statistics such as appearances, playing time, successful interceptions, and tackles. Despite a pre-season injury that will sideline him for a while, Yoro remains a highly anticipated talent for the future.

Pedro Neto (Wolves to Chelsea) – £51.4 million plus £2.6 million add-ons

Pedro Neto’s departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers was deeply emotional, but it represents a crucial step forward for his career. Joining a major club like Chelsea could elevate Neto’s game to new heights. Despite facing several injuries that have hindered his progress, Neto’s versatility, directness, and speed make him a promising addition. As one of several new signings for Chelsea, he has the potential to make a significant impact and excel among his new teammates.

Joao Neves (Benfica to PSG) – £50 million plus £10 million add-ons

Portugal is currently thriving with a surge of emerging football talent, and João Neves stands out as one of the most promising prospects. The 19-year-old midfielder made his breakthrough into Benfica’s first team in January and has since accumulated an impressive 75 appearances across all competitions. Paris Saint-Germain, renowned for nurturing young talent, is set to gain significantly from adding João Neves to their squad.

Amadou Onana (Everton to Aston Villa) – £50 million

Aston Villa secured Amadou Onana, outbidding Bayern Munich and Arsenal, who were also interested in the midfielder. Aston Villa broke their transfer record to bring Onana on board, a crucial move given Douglas Luiz's departure to Juventus. Onana is well-positioned to fill Luiz’s role and significantly bolster the team’s prospects for the 2024-2025 season.

Some other expensive transfers include: Moussa Diaby,  Dani Olmo,  Micheal Olise and Joao Palhinha