Toba Owojaiye reporting
The 2023/24 football season is here. Despite all the rumors, close calls and speculations. Here are the top 20 confirmed big money players
• Declan Rice (West Ham to Arsenal) – Arsenal secured the signature of Declan Rice for £100 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons, edging out competition, possibly even from Man City, in the pursuit of the talented English midfielder. Rice’s arrival is anticipated to outshine Arsenal’s previous record signings.
• Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid) – Real Madrid made a significant move by acquiring Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of £88 million, with a possibility of an additional £25.6 million in add-ons. Despite the price, many see this as a smart investment given Bellingham’s exceptional skills at just 19 years old.
• Kai Havertz (Chelsea to Arsenal) – In an intriguing transfer, Kai Havertz moved from Chelsea to Arsenal for £65 million. This transfer raised eyebrows considering Havertz’s recent struggles at Chelsea, but Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring him to the Emirates reflects a calculated risk.
• Dominik Szoboszlai (Leipzig to Liverpool) – Liverpool acted swiftly to secure Dominik Szoboszlai’s services from Leipzig for a sum of £60 million. Despite Newcastle’s interest, Liverpool’s prompt action ensured the signing of the attacking midfielder.
• Mason Mount (Chelsea to Manchester United) – Manchester United invested £55 million plus potential £5 million add-ons to acquire Mason Mount from Chelsea. Despite having only a year left on his contract, Mount’s Champions League success and young age make him a valuable addition to United’s squad.
• Sandro Tonali (AC Milan to Newcastle) – Newcastle completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for £52 million, with an additional £8 million in potential add-ons. While there is some dispute over the exact amount, Tonali’s decision to join Newcastle on a five-year deal was a choice both he and Milan found difficult to decline.
• Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig to Chelsea) – Chelsea made it official that Christopher Nkunku joined the club with a six-year contract after a prolific 16-goal season at RB Leipzig. His performance will be under scrutiny as Chelsea aims to make the most of this transfer.
• Malcom (Zenit to Al-Hilal) – Malcom transitioned from Zenit to Al-Hilal for a fee of £51.4 million, marking a move from Russia to Saudi Arabia. The exact financial details were undisclosed, but Zenit hinted at a €60 million fee for the Brazilian winger.
• Manuel Ugarte (Sporting to Paris Saint-Germain) – Manuel Ugarte’s transfer from Sporting to Paris Saint-Germain was finalized at £51.2 million. Chelsea’s hesitation to meet his release clause allowed PSG to secure the Uruguayan midfielder, which Chelsea might later regret considering other market valuations.
• Ruben Neves (Wolves to Al Hilal) – Ruben Neves moved from Wolves to Al Hilal for a sum of £47 million. While his departure may be temporary, it’s anticipated he might return to the Premier League in the future.
• Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid to Wolves) – Matheus Cunha’s permanent move to Wolves was settled at £44 million after a loan period from Atletico Madrid. His performance in the Premier League will be closely observed.
• Andre Onana (Inter Milan to Man Utd) – Andre Onana’s transfer from Inter Milan to Manchester United cost £43.9 million, marking a substantial profit for Inter within a year. United’s decision to upgrade their goalkeeper is expected to pay off, despite potential challenges.
• Kim Min-jae (Napoli to Bayern Munich) – Bayern Munich secured Kim Min-jae by triggering his release clause at £43 million, making him the most expensive Asian player in history. Interest from Manchester United was eclipsed by Bayern’s allure.
• James Maddison (Leicester City to Tottenham) – Tottenham’s £40 million deal to acquire James Maddison from Leicester City is considered a shrewd move, especially as Maddison’s contract was set to expire. This deal provides Leicester funds to aid their promotion efforts.
• Fabinho (Liverpool to Al-Ittihad) – Fabinho’s transfer from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad was sealed at £40 million. With uncertainties resolved, he became a notable signing in the Saudi revolution.
• Pedro Porro (Sporting to Tottenham) – Pedro Porro became a permanent Tottenham player for £39 million, following a loan stint and contributing to three different managers’ strategies. His adaptability in various roles will be tested.
• Harvey Barnes (Leicester to Newcastle) – Newcastle secured Harvey Barnes from Leicester for £38 million, capitalizing on Leicester’s relegation to obtain a valuable player. Barnes’s inclusion adds strength to Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations.
• Lois Openda (Lens to RB Leipzig) – RB Leipzig broke their club record with a £36.9 million transfer for Lois Openda from Lens, potentially rising with add-ons. The Belgian striker’s performance will determine the overall cost.
• Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton to Liverpool) – Liverpool’s acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton cost £35 million, with a possibility of increasing to £55 million based on add-ons. The success of this World Cup winner could make it a prudent investment.
• Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa) – Aston Villa secured Moussa Diaby’s services from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £34.6 million, with potential add-ons taking the deal beyond £50 million. Unai Emery’s ambitions hinge on Diaby’s performance.
Additionally, noteworthy transfers include Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba’s free transfers to Inter Miami.