The upcoming football transfer season promises to be thrilling, with many major moves expected to excite fans. Clubs are anticipated to spend significant amounts to acquire top players and build up their squads. With Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 concluded and the Olympics 2024 starting next week, the top 5 leagues in Europe are set to begin in mid-August.
The transfer window is likely to feature both stars and promising young talents switching teams. These anticipated changes are poised to have a substantial impact on the next season. Let’s explore the top five transfers that are expected to shape the future of football.
Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé’s long-anticipated move to Real Madrid has finally materialized, marking one of the most significant transfers in recent football history. After his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, Mbappé left on a free transfer, bringing his remarkable tenure in Paris to an end. During his time with PSG, he played 308 matches and scored a record 256 goals, cementing his status as one of the world’s elite forwards.
At Real Madrid, Mbappé will earn a salary of £12.8 million a year. Additionally, he will receive a signing-on bonus of just over £85 million, which Real Madrid will pay in installments over the duration of his contract. This move is set to have a profound impact on both Real Madrid and the broader football landscape.
Alvaro Morata to AC Milan
Alvaro Morata’s transfer to AC Milan from Atlético Madrid has been completed after spending two seasons at Juventus on loan. The Spain captain and the Euro 2024 champion have joined the Rossoneri for a fee of £10.9 million (€13 million). Morata has signed a four-year deal that will keep him at the club until June 2028, with an option for an additional year.
Last season, he demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess with 21 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions. At AC Milan, Morata will don the iconic No. 7 shirt, and his arrival is expected to enhance Milan’s attacking options significantly.
Romelu Lukaku to Napoli
Romelu Lukaku’s potential move to Napoli is one of the most talked-about transfers of the season. The 31-year-old Belgian striker rejoined Chelsea in the summer of 2021 for a then-club-record fee of £97.5 million. Following loan spells with Inter Milan during the 2022–23 season and Roma last season, where he scored 23 goals in 57 Serie A appearances, Lukaku is set to reunite with his former manager Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Chelsea values Lukaku at around £35 million, but according to Sky Sports Germany, the two clubs have yet to agree on a transfer fee for the Belgian international. This transfer could significantly boost Napoli’s attacking options and provide Lukaku with a fresh start under a familiar coach.
Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal
Arsenal is on the verge of finalizing a significant transfer, bringing Bologna’s standout defender Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates. The 22-year-old, who starred for Italy at Euro 2024 after an impressive season in Serie A, has attracted interest from heavyweights like Juventus and Real Madrid in the last ten days. Bologna is holding out for £42.1 million for the highly-rated centre-back. While many aspects of the deal are agreed upon, it is still not fully finalized. Calafiori’s former club, Basel, stands to make 50 percent of Bologna’s profit from the transfer.
Calafiori has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, playing a pivotal role in Bologna’s fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, securing their first-ever Champions League spot. Although he played every minute of Italy’s Euro 2024 group stage campaign, he missed their last 16 defeat to Switzerland due to suspension. If the deal goes through, Calafiori will be a significant addition to Arsenal’s defensive line-up.
Douglas Luiz to Juventus
Douglas Luiz has completed a move to Juventus from Aston Villa, signing a five-year deal with the Serie A club. The transfer, valued at £42.35 million, sees the Brazilian midfielder join Juventus following a standout season with Villa.
Last term, Luiz scored nine goals in 35 Premier League matches, playing a crucial role in Villa’s historic fourth-place finish that secured their first-ever Champions League qualification. His arrival at Juventus is expected to strengthen the midfield and add a dynamic edge to their squad.
