There’s one month left of the 2024 summer transfer window, but plenty of clubs have done their business early and already made a number of top signings.
From Man Utd making two big and surprisingly shrewd signings to Arsenal beating Juventus to one of the best Italian defenders around, there’s been plenty of fun transfers for us to enjoy thus far.
Here’s our attempt at picking a combined XI of the best transfers of the summer so far.
Transfer: Monza to Juventus
Fee: Loan
The Thiago Motta revolution is well and truly underway at Juventus, with a huge upheaval of the senior team currently being worked on.
One of the biggest changes made has been in between the sticks, where Michele Di Gregorio is set to take over from long-serving number one Wojciech Szczesny. And, by all accounts, it seems like a pretty damn good upgrade for Juve.
The Italian goalkeeper was the best in Serie A last season, racking up the third best save percentage and the most saves overall.
Transfer: Leeds United to Tottenham Hotspur
Fee: £30m
If you’ve played Football Manager, you’ll know how good a prospect Archie Gray is.
And if you watched any Leeds United games last season, you’ll know how good he is too.
The 18-year-old was exceptional throughout his first campaign of senior football and looks set to improve and improve after joining Tottenham this summer.
£30m could prove to be a steal.
Transfer: Athletic Club to Atletico Madrid
Fee: £25m
Considering Robin Le Normand was one of the most consistent performers for Spain at Euro 2024, £25m looks like an absolute bargain for Atletico Madrid.
Under Diego Simeone, expect Le Normand to star at club level throughout the next few seasons.
Transfer: LOSC Lille to Manchester United
Fee: £52.2m
He may be injured for close to three months but few better long-term signings have been made during the 2024 summer transfer window than Manchester United’s acquisition of Leny Yoro.
The teenage Frenchman has the potential to become one of the very best defenders in the world in the next few years.
Transfer: Bologna to Arsenal
Fee: £42m
In Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal have signed both the model for their kits for the foreseeable future and a genuinely brilliant defender too.
The Italy international proved his credentials at club level with Bologna last season and on the international stage at Euro 2024.
He’s utterly brilliant both on and off the ball – the former perhaps being the main reason Mikel Arteta wanted him.
Transfer: Troyes to Manchester City
Fee: £30.8m
City have got quite the player on their hands in the form of Brazilian winger Savio.
The 20-year-old was fantastic for Girona last season (on loan from Troyes…or Man City…we’re not sure how it all works), bagging 19 goal contributions to guide the Spanish minnows to their highest ever La Liga finish.
Transfer: Aston Villa to Juventus
Fee: £42.4m
To say Douglas Luiz is an upgrade on Adrien Rabiot would perhaps be the understatement of the century.
The Brazilian looks set to have the Juve midfield built around him and, if he can perform in a similar manner to how he did last season, that’ll be a pretty damn good decision from new manager Motta.
Transfer: Fulham to Bayern Munich
Fee: £47.1m
Finally.
After coming close to signing last summer – even rocking up in Germany for a medical before the deal fell through – Joao Palhinha has finally joined Bayern Munich.
The midfielder is exactly what is needed at the heart of Vincent Kompany’s Bayern. His prowess defensively should provide the club with a solid base to build attacks from in 2024/25.
Transfer: Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich
Fee: £50.8m
Having bagged 16 goal contributions in 14 Premier League starts last season, it’s pretty fair to say Michael Olise deserved a big move this summer.
In the end, after interest from Chelsea and Arsenal among others, Olise got that move to the biggest club in Germany – Bayern Munich.
The wide forward’s creative flair alongside the deadliness of Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala in the final third could be a match made in heaven for the Bavarians.
Transfer: Bologna to Manchester United
Fee: £35m
Prior to the 2024 summer transfer window, Man Utd rarely did a bit of business that you’d consider a ‘bargain’.
This summer though, in signing Joshua Zirkzee for £35m they have finally got themselves a ‘bargain’.
The forward’s hold-up play alone, never mind his finishing prowess, will make him a fantastic addition to Erik ten Hag’s side.
Transfer: Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid
Fee: Free
Real Madrid signed the best footballer for free.
So yes, of course Kylian Mbappe is in this team.
He makes every team he’s ever eligible for.