The summer transfer window for major European leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga, officially closed on Friday, August 30, 2024, marking the end of a period of intense activity and high-profile player movements. While the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window remains open until October 6, the Premier League has once again asserted its dominance in the global transfer market, outspending other leagues significantly.
Several notable deals were finalized in the closing hours of the window. Raheem Sterling is set to join Arsenal on loan from Chelsea after an agreement was reached between the two London clubs. West Ham United secured the services of former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler on loan, with an option to buy for approximately $25 million. Additionally, Everton submitted a deal sheet for Chelsea striker Armando Broja, potentially securing a loan deal with a $39.4 million purchase option.
Several other transfers were confirmed as the deadline approached. Reiss Nelson will join Fulham on loan from Arsenal, while Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastian Haller is set for a loan move to Spanish club Leganés. Nottingham Forest officially announced the signing of Brazilian defender Morato from Benfica for $19.7 million on a five-year contract. Crystal Palace confirmed the permanent signing of Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal for $39.4 million, with Arsenal retaining a sell-on clause.
Despite earlier reports, a deal for Victor Osimhen to join Chelsea from Napoli failed to materialize due to wage demands and Saudi Pro League regulations regarding foreign players. Similarly, Jadon Sancho’s potential move to Chelsea from Manchester United is still up in the air. Ivan Toney of Brentford is reportedly close to joining Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, pending medical tests.
Other confirmed moves include Scott McTominay’s transfer from Manchester United to Napoli for $33.2 million and Auston Trusty’s permanent move to Celtic from Sheffield United for $5.5 million. Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips has joined Derby County on a season-long loan, and Arnaut Danjuma will join Girona on loan from Villarreal. The transfer window saw a flurry of activity, with clubs scrambling to finalize deals before the deadline.
The summer transfer window also saw some notable signings and departures. Julián Álvarez moved from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid for $83.11 million, while Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham from Bournemouth for $71.25 million. Leny Yoro moved from Lille to Manchester United for $68.7 million, and Pedro Neto joined Chelsea from Wolves for $66.49 million. Kylian Mbappé finally realized his dream of playing for Real Madrid, joining the club on a free transfer.
With the transfer window now closed, teams will focus on integrating their new signings and preparing for the upcoming season. While some deals may still be announced in the coming days, the majority of player movements have been finalized, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season across Europe’s top leagues.
Several other transfers were completed, including Tammy Abraham to AC Milan on loan, Neto to Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth, and Stefan Bajcetic to Salzburg on loan. Various sources reported that Giovani Lo Celso returned to Betis, while Liverpool’s Ben Doak joined Middlesbrough on loan. Sekou Kone was unveiled as a new Manchester United player, joining the club’s academy.
Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Liverpool also engaged in significant transfer business, reinforcing their squads for the challenges ahead. The focus now shifts to the pitch, where these new acquisitions will be expected to contribute to their respective teams’ success.
