European football giants rope in new stars before transfer deadline

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) – European football giants have strengthened key areas with stars in a challenging market ahead of the summer transfer window, which shut last week.

The summer transfer market concluded with a flurry of shocking announcements that dramatically reshaped the landscape of European football.

August 30 was the deadline for clubs to sign players before 2025. This period saw several high-profile signings that are expected to make a significant impact on their respective teams.

Here is a round-up of the season's major signings:

- Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid, the 2024 Champions League winners, signed Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain after a seven-year stint.

Mbappe was presented with a replica of the stadium, a watch, and a shirt with his name and No. 9 printed on it by club boss Florentino Perez.

The 25-year-old Paris-born striker led PSG to lift six French Ligue 1 titles.

Mbappe, the 2018 World Cup winner, made 256 goals in 308 matches for the Parisians to become the club's all-time leading scorer.

- Julian Alvarez

Argentina striker Julian Alvarez departed the English Premier League winner Manchester City two years after moving to England.

The 24-year-old played a crucial role in City's first triumph at the 2023 Champions League after a narrow win over Inter Milan in Istanbul.

Alvarez won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup during his two-and-a-half years in Manchester.

The versatile forward made 54 appearances in all competitions for City last season, contributing 19 goals and 13 assists. Alvarez scored 36 goals in 103 matches for the English side.

He also claimed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and won the Copa America twice.

- Douglas Luiz

The Brazil international Douglas Luiz inked a 5-year contract with the Juventus from Aston Villa.

Luiz was a key part of Unai Emery's side last season, as they finished fourth in the Premier League and booked a place in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old midfielder netted 22 goals in 204 games for Villa, which inked him from Manchester City in 2019.

He also clinched a gold medal for Brazil at the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

- Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt, only 25 years old, has already had an impressive career, now joining his fourth major European club after Manchester United.

He signed a five-year contract with the option of extending for another year with the Red Devils.

During his time at Ajax, De Ligt was the youngest player to appear in a European final and the youngest player to represent his nation since 1931.

He previously made appearances for Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

The Dutch center-back also joined Antony, Andre Onana, and Lisandro Martinez as former Ajax players.

- Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo, who is a product of Barcelona youth academy, has returned home after a decade away since leaving La Masia on a six-year contract.

The 26-year-old signed a contract with a buyout clause of €500 million (approximately $546 million).

Olmo produced 11 goals in 39 appearances for Spain to help them lift the 2023 UEFA Nations League and the EURO 2024 trophies.

- Premier League

Raheem Sterling has joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The 29-year-old winger has enjoyed an extremely successful career in English football, having played for two of the country’s biggest clubs, Manchester City and Liverpool.

During his seven years with Manchester City, he won all of his Premier League titles, establishing himself as one of the league's top talents.

In addition to his league triumphs, he also secured the EFL Cup an impressive five times and added an FA Cup to his list of honors.

Joao Felix, who previously spent part of last season on loan at Stamford Bridge, has returned on permanent terms.

The 24-year-old Chelsea winger has put pen to paper on a seven-year deal.

Ilkay Gundogan, a German national of Turkish descent, rejoined Manchester City after one season with Barcelona.

During his previous tenure with Manchester City, the 33-year-old midfielder won the 2023 UEFA Champions League, five Premier League titles, and two FA Cups.

- La Liga

Real Madrid signed highly-rated Brazilian teenager Endrick to a six-year contract just days after his 18th birthday.

The Spanish giants had a deal with Endrick to bring the then 16-year-old to the Madrid squad. However, the Brazilian is unable to move to Europe until he is 18 due to international transfer law.

Endrick, who is a product of the Palmeiras academy, produced 21 goals in 82 games for Palmeiras and three goals in 10 appearances for Brazil.

- Serie A

Juventus has performed the best in Serie A's summer transfer window.

Turin fans were excited when the club signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa, Khephren Thuram from OCG Nice, and Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta.

Koopmeiners, 26, led Atalanta to win the Europa League title last season.

Romelu Lukaku was one of the most popular names to arrive at the Italian top tier this season.

Napoli signed Thursday Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea but the deal's financial and duration details were not disclosed.

Lukaku, 31, has previously played for Anderlecht, Inter Milan, and several English clubs, including Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, and Everton.

- Ligue 1

Defending Ligue 1 champion Paris St Germain has signed promising Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves from Benfica on a contract until 2029.

The 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder helped Benfica win the 2023 Portuguese top-tier and the 2024 Portuguese Super Cup.