10 key signings from the first summer transfer window

With the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup, the transfer window opened on June 1 to accommodate participating clubs who wanted to sign players for the tournament. This change has effectively split the transfer window into two distinct phases, the first which ended on the June 1o, and the second which will run from the 16th June to the 1st September. Whilst the first transfer window was brief, it was anything but quiet, and here are my top 10 early signings to keep an eye on.

10. Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City
The Netherlands international joins from AC Milan in a £46.3m deal, and represents a forward-thinking addition to Guardiola’s midfield, following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. Despite AC Milan’s disappointing campaign in which they failed to achieve European qualification, Reijnders made up the most goals and assists out of any Serie A midfielder last season. Not only his attacking prowess but his presence in midfield will bring a much needed spark to Manchester City.

9. Liam Delap to Chelsea
Delap joins Chelsea from a relegated Ipswich Town side for a fee of £30m, a figure which looks a bargain in the modern footballing market, considering the English striker is only 22. He’s proven himself prolific in the Premier League this season, scoring 12 goals, a third of Ipswich’s total. Chelsea will hope that Delap can add the same firepower to a frontline which will be playing in the Champions League next season.

8. Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli
Following the expiration of De Bruyne’s contract at Manchester City, De Bruyne is set to join the reigning Serie A champions. Many will be doubting that De Bruyne, much past the peak of his prime, has much to give, and some will be questioning why Napoli are willing to pay his high wages. But what Napoli are adding to their midfielder is a serial winner, and one of the greatest players the Premier League has witnessed.

7. Franco Mastantuano to Real Madrid
Many will not have heard of Franco Mastantuano, the 17-year-old from River Plate, but he has just signed for Real Madrid for £38.5m. The signing represents a continuation of Real Madrid’s future proofing project with a South American core, building on the signings of Endrick and Vinicius Jr. The expectations created by the fee are likely to heap upon the young Argentinian, but Real Madrid will hope they have secured a future star.

6. Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City
For a player who achieved 11 goal contributions in the Premier League whilst not only playing as a wing back, but also playing for a Wolves side who finished 16th, the transfer of Aït-Nouri for a £36.3m fee is remarkable. The signing addresses the left-back problems which have plagued Manchester City this season, and could set them on their way to competing for yet another Premier League title.

5. Rayan Cherki to Manchester City
If his 19 goal contributions in 30 Ligue 1 games for Lyon was not already impressive enough, then seeing Rayan Cherki’s debut performance for France truly showcased why he is such an exciting talent, and yet another impressive transfer for Manchester City. He will join the Premier League at 22 but with a maturity far beyond his years. He’s creative, versatile, and only cost £30.9m.

4. Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool
Frimpong arrives at Liverpool as a direct solution to the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, a signing known for his ability to bomb forward down the right flank. Under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong turned world class, achieving 15 goal contributions in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, 16 in 2023/2024 and 10 in his most recent season. For £29.5m, the 24-year-old is a steal who will greatly improve Liverpool’s title defense next season.

3. Matheus Cunha to Manchester United
Following a disastrous season, the £62.5m transfer of Matheus Cunha is a statement signing which signals an attempt to rebuild and inject attacking impetus into the side. His numbers for Wolves are ridiculously impressive, with 21 goal contributions and direct involvement in 39% of all of Wolves 54 league goals this season. If Manchester United can keep Bruno Fernandes, the partnership between the two would be incredibly exciting.

2. Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid
After years as one of Liverpool’s most influential players, Real Madrid will receive one of the best passers in world football. They pay £8.4m to Liverpool for Trent’s early release in order for him to be involved at the Club World Cup. Real will be hoping that Trent’s creativity and pinpoint crosses will add another dimension to their attacking system.

1. Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid
This is, in my opinion, the most impressive piece of transfer business so far. This season, Huijsen has quietly developed as the heart of Iraola’s defence in a record-breaking year for Bournemouth. The Spaniard centre-back has also scored three goals, each in decisive moments against Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs. He’s 20 years old, and playing alongside Rudiger and Alexander Arnold, he is sure to perfect his craft under Xabi Alonso.

Aside from the top ten, notable transfers include Chelsea’s signing of promising Brazilian trickster Estevao Willian, Brighton’s £29.8m fee for Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiacos, Jobe Bellingham’s switch to Borussia Dortmund and Leroy Sane’s move to Galatasaray. Lots more action looks to come in the second transfer window, with Liverpool near to confirming the record-breaking signing of Florian Wirtz, and Arsenal close to signing both Martin Zubimendi and Benjamin Sesko.