The 2024 summer transfer window is upon us as clubs look to improve their squads ahead of the new season. The Premier League’s opening weekend in 2024/25 begins on August 16 leaving teams with just under two months to prepare. Europe’s major leagues all start at a similar time this year.
We’ve already seen one mega move, as Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid deal was made official on June 3 but that won’t be the last big-money signing of the window. The Premier League transfer window officially opened on Friday, June 14.
June 14th will mark the starting point for EPL clubs to make their signings official on paper. However, most of the other European leagues opened their windows on Monday, July 1 as the deadline is set for Friday, August 30.
In previous years, the deadline has been August 31. That date this year falls on a Saturday so Europe’s top five leagues have opted to close the window on the Friday evening. Clubs across all leagues can still sign free agents after the deadline, provided these players are unattached to any club as of August 30.
While the January window was relatively quiet, there’s an air of anticipation for significant activity this summer.
Importance of Big Money Moves
Big-money moves have always been pivotal in shaping football clubs and leagues. These transfers not only bring in top talent but also boost clubs’ commercial and competitive standing. Take for instance Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 for £80 million.
This move not only enhanced Real Madrid’s performance but also significantly increased their global fan base and revenue. Similarly, Neymar’s transfer to PSG in 2017 for €222 million helped elevate the French club’s profile on the global stage attracting more star players and increasing viewership.
Potential Big-Money Moves in the 2024 Summer Transfer Window
Here are five potential big-money transfers that could take place this summer:
1. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- Performance in the 2023/24 Season: Davies maintained his reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic full-backs, scoring one goal and providing four assists in 29 appearances. He also boasted an impressive top speed of 36.02 km/h.
- Contract Status: The Canadian’s current contract expires in 2025, leaving Bayern with a decision to make.
- Estimated Transfer Fee/Wage Demands: While no official figures have been released, Real Madrid is reportedly unwilling to spend over €60 million for Davies if he enters the final year of his contract.
- Potential Destinations: Real Madrid has shown a strong interest in the Canadian international.
- Impact on Potential New Club: Davies’ speed, dribbling ability, and defensive prowess would undoubtedly strengthen Real Madrid’s left flank, adding a new dimension to their attack and providing defensive solidity.
2. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
- Current Club: Newcastle United
- Performance in the 2023/24 Season: Isak had a career-best season, scoring 21 goals in the Premier League and playing a crucial role in Newcastle’s success.
- Contract Status: The Swedish currently has 4 years left on his current deal with The Magpies which sees him earning £120,000 per week, the new contract is likely to further secure his position as a key player for the North-Eastern outfit.
- Estimated Transfer Fee/Wage Demands: His market value is estimated to be over £100 million, making him a costly acquisition.
- Potential Destinations: Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with the Swedish striker.
- Impact on Potential New Club: Isak’s ability to hold up play, link with teammates, and score goals would make him a valuable asset for any top club’s attack.
3. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- Performance in the 2023/24 Season: Kimmich continued to be a pivotal figure for Bayern, scoring one goal and providing six assists in 28 appearances. He also led the team in tackle success rate and had the sixth-most ball possession in the Bundesliga.
- Contract Status: Kimmich’s contract expires in 2025, and renewal talks have reportedly stalled.
- Estimated Transfer Fee/Wage Demands: His transfer fee could be substantial, but no official figures have been disclosed.
- Potential Destinations: Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona have all been linked with Kimmich.
- Impact on Potential New Club: Kimmich’s experience, versatility, passing range, and defensive acumen would make him an invaluable asset for any club.
4. Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)
- Current Club: Liverpool
- Performance in the 2023/24 Season: Núñez had a mixed second season at Liverpool, scoring 18 goals but also missing several key chances.
- Contract Status: The Uruguayan had signed a six-year contract that will keep him at Liverpool until 2028.
- Estimated Transfer Fee/Wage Demands: While his transfer value might be lower than his initial £85 million fee, he would still command a significant sum.
- Potential Destinations: Barcelona has reportedly shown interest in the Uruguayan forward.
- Impact on Potential New Club: Núñez’s pace, power, and finishing ability could add another dimension to Barcelona’s attack, providing a different profile to their current options.
5. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
- Current Club: Napoli
- Performance in the 2023/24 Season: Osimhen’s goal tally decreased compared to the previous season, but he still managed to score ten goals in Serie A, becoming the third player in Napoli’s history to achieve this feat in four consecutive seasons.
- Contract Status: The Nigerian recently extended his contract with Gli Azzurri until 2026, with a new release clause of €130 million.
- Estimated Transfer Fee/Wage Demands: His release clause would need to be met for any potential transfer to take place.
- Potential Destinations: PSG, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all been linked with Osimhen.
- Impact on Potential New Club: Osimhen’s pace, strength, and clinical finishing would make him a valuable addition to any top club’s attack, offering a potent goal-scoring threat and physical presence.