Best Summer Transfers: Italian Clubs Lead the Way
Lesser-known players have proven themselves as successful signings this season with their impressive performances.
According to nexnews, with the end of 2024 and the midpoint of the football season, it’s time to review the best transfers made at the beginning of the season.
Mason Greenwood (Marseille) – €31.6 Million
A controversial transfer marked the permanent departure of Manchester United’s academy product. After a loan spell at Getafe, this forward officially parted ways with the Red Devils in July and joined Marseille. Continuing his career outside of England, the English striker has scored 11 goals in 16 appearances so far.
Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest) – €14 Million
Milenkovic may not have been seen as one of the standout signings for the Premier League before the season, but he has been exceptional at Nottingham Forest. The former Fiorentina center-back has become a key part of their strong defensive line, helping them secure a spot in the top four. Recently, he scored vital goals against Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Moise Kean (Fiorentina) – €13 Million
Kean has been a key player in Fiorentina’s unexpected revival this season. At only 24 years old, his move to Florence came after a disappointing spell at Juventus, where he failed to score a single goal the previous season. Currently, he has 14 goals in 21 matches, rediscovering his form.
David De Gea (Fiorentina) – Free Transfer
David De Gea returned to the pitch after a one-season hiatus, and it seems the break did him no harm. After being unceremoniously released by Manchester United in 2023, De Gea joined Fiorentina as a free agent in the summer. Despite a tough start, he has become a key figure in Fiorentina’s unexpected rise in Serie A, keeping six clean sheets in 13 games and saving two penalties in a crucial match against Milan.
Scott McTominay (Napoli) – €30 Million
McTominay, another former Manchester United player, has flourished in Italy, becoming an integral part of Napoli’s growing team. Antonio Conte has utilized the powerful midfielder in a more attacking role, and the 28-year-old has delivered, scoring crucial goals against Inter and Torino. He is now a fan favorite in Naples.
Tim Kladenist (Borussia Monchengladbach) – €7 Million
A lesser-known name on the list, Tim Kladenist, was purchased from Heidenheim for just €7 million. At 29, he earned his first call-up to the German national team. The tall forward has scored 14 goals in 15 league matches, including two goals against his former team and three against Werder Bremen.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – Loan
This transfer was almost a steal. Victor Osimhen managed to escape Napoli’s grip and join Galatasaray on loan, where he has been exceptional. In 15 appearances, he has scored 12 goals, making a major impact in Turkey. It’s unlikely he will stay in Istanbul after the season, as top European clubs are tracking him. Osimhen could even leave Turkey as early as January, but as long as Galatasaray has him, they’ll enjoy his brilliance.
Micheal Olise (Bayern Munich) – €60 Million
Everyone knew Olise was a talented winger with high quality, but few could have predicted just how vital he would become for Bayern Munich after his move from Crystal Palace in the summer. This technical winger has scored 16 goals in 22 appearances, including a brilliant solo effort against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.
Kerem Akturkoglu (Benfica) – €12 Million
After a steady performance at Galatasaray, the 25-year-old Kerem Akturkoglu made his move to one of Europe’s giants in the summer. Benfica secured his signing for just €12 million, and he has proved his worth with 20 goals in 25 matches, showing that he’s ready to play for even bigger clubs.
Samu Agyeiwa (Porto) – €15 Million
This young forward was originally set to join Chelsea from Atletico Madrid, but medical issues scuppered the deal. Porto capitalized on this and signed the 20-year-old, who has already netted 16 goals in 20 matches, including two goals in the UEFA Europa League against Manchester United. It wouldn’t be surprising if Chelsea revisited him in the future.
