The 2024 summer transfer window is one that will live long in the memory of football fans across the world following a number of eye-catching deals.
There has arguably never been a bigger summer of transfers than the one we have just witnessed and it is still somewhat difficult to believe how many of the world’s top players have switched teams.
Long allegiances have come to an end, while others have been reacquainted with familiar surroundings that have brought feelings of romance and nostalgia. It has certainly changed the landscape of the football world and if you are interested in betting on football across the world then head to Max Free Bets.
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You can also bet on transfers in the upcoming windows, but we will be keeping a close eye on this previous summer’s transactions. Below, we have ranked the top 10 transfers of the 2024 summer’s transfer window.
10. Georginio Wijnaldum – Liverpool to Paris Saint-Germain – Free
With the star-studded forward line that is now at Paris Saint-Germain it is important for the team to have water carriers that help supplement their talents. While Georginio Wijnaldum can do far more than that, there is no doubt that his energy and workrate will prove to be a huge asset to his new team. He will undoubtedly be a big loss to Liverpool this season and he will likely be one of the best free transfers of recent history.
9. Antoine Griezmann – Barcelona to Atletico Madrid – Loan
One of the most surprising deadline day moves saw Antoine Griezmann return to Atletico Madrid just two years after leaving the club to join Barcelona. It’s fair to say things didn’t go to plan for Griezmann at the Nou Camp as he scored just 22 goals in 74 league appearances after arriving for €120 million. The deal is an initial loan for this season with an obligation to buy next summer for €40 million, representing an €80 million loss for Barcelona after two seasons.
8. Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain – Free
Sergio Ramos’ 16-year spell with Real Madrid came to an end this summer after he joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Ramos would’ve featured higher on this list had he played more than 15 league games for Real Madrid last season and eventually missed out on Spain’s squad for the European Championship. Despite being 35 he still has plenty to offer to Paris Saint-Germain as the four-time Champions League winner looks to help the Ligue 1 side win their first European Cup.
7. Gianluigi Donnarumma – AC Milan to Paris Saint-Germain – Free
Fresh off winning Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the most sought after free agents on the market and it’s no surprise to see that PSG once again secured an unattached star. Donnarumma is one of the top goalkeepers in world football and adds another world class player to a PSG team that will have all eyes on winning the Champions League this season. Still only 22, he is already closing in on 300 professional games for club and country and will be competing with Keylor Navas for the starting role.
6. Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United – £76m
Jadon Sancho to Manchester United is a transfer many would’ve anticipated happening last summer but after a frustrating negotiation process last year they finally have their man. Initially perceived as their main target to fill the void that was present on United’s right-wing, there is now the argument that Sancho is the third most notable signing of their summer. Still, the 21-year-old is one of the hottest young talents in world football and most would anticipate being a hugely successful signing for the club.
5. Raphael Varane – Real Madrid to Manchester United – £36m
One of the biggest holes in Manchester United’s squad was filled by the signing of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. The centre-back was available for just £36m after entering the final year of his contract in Madrid and now forms a partnership alongside Harry Maguire that looks good enough to compete for the Premier League title. Varane is a winner and boasts World Cup, Champions League and La Liga winners medals to his name and that mentality will be a huge boost to the Old Trafford dressing room.
4. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa to Manchester City – £100m
It’s not too often that you’ll see the British transfer record being broken and it only be the fourth ranked transfer of the window. Pep Guardiola splashed out £100m to bring Jack Grealish to Manchester City and in the process potentially chose him over signing Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who stayed with Tottenham after their valuation wasn’t met. Grealish looks ready to play at the next level in the Champions League and there is plenty of excitement around what he can bring to City.
3. Romelu Lukaku – Inter Milan to Chelsea – £95m
Romelu Lukaku looks to be the missing piece of the puzzle at Chelsea, who despite winning the Champions League were lacking a prolific striker last season. Thomas Tuchel’s side now has a serious focal point of their attack in one of the best center forwards in world football. Lukaku returns to the Premier League as a much-improved player to the one that left for Inter Milan in 2019, having scored 47 goals in 72 appearances in Serie A.
2. Lionel Messi – Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain – Free
Coming in a very close second in this list is Lionel Messi, who shocked the world by leaving Barcelona and joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after La Liga rules denied him from signing an extension. The Argentine is still arguably the best player in the world and his addition leaves PSG with a frightening forward line of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for this season. Seeing him wear anything other than a Barcelona or Argentina jersey is a strange sight to say the least but this is still an exciting prospect for all football fans.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Juventus to Manchester United – £15m
Just pipping Messi to the top spot due to the romance of the move is Cristiano Ronaldo and his triumphant return to Manchester United. Ronaldo comes back to Old Trafford 12 years after departing for Real Madrid for a world-record transfer after deciding to leave Juventus. Despite turning 36 this past season he still has plenty to offer having scored 81 goals in 98 league appearances for Juventus. Off the pitch, expect Ronaldo to provide a priceless example to the young players in the United squad such as Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
