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The summer transfer window of 2024 was a fairly quiet one, with no major transfers. However, there have been some notable moves that are sure to have a significant impact on the season ahead. Here is a list of players who are expected to have a remarkable impact in the 2024-25 season with their new clubs:
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid):
Let’s start with the most talked-about transfer, Kylian Mbappé. Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Mbappé is certain to have an incredible impact at Real Madrid. Possessing exceptional ability, he will be surrounded by some of the best players in the world (such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Luka Modric) and coached by one of the best coaches in the history of football, Carlo Ancelotti.
Mbappé will certainly be in contention for the Pichichi Trophy, awarded to the top scorer in La Liga, as well as the European Golden Shoe. And who knows, maybe he’ll even be aiming for the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid):
Alexander Sørloth was in contention for the Pichichi Trophy right until the final day of last season, eventually finishing second in the scoring charts. His outstanding performances throughout the season convinced Atlético Madrid to pay €32 million for his services this summer. With the departure of Morata, Sørloth is expected to become Atlético’s undisputed center-forward.
Playing for Villarreal, who finished in 8th place last season, Sørloth still managed to finish second in the scoring charts. So it’s only logical to expect him to improve his statistics playing for a top-four club like Atlético Madrid.
Júlian Álvarez (Atlético Madrid):
Alexander Sørloth is not Atlético Madrid’s only attacking recruit this summer. The club has also signed Júlian Álvarez from Manchester City for a fee of €75 million, which could rise to €95 million with bonuses. This major investment reflects Atlético’s great confidence in this young Argentinian player.
Álvarez is a versatile player who is effective in scoring goals and already has an impressive track record. What’s more, his style of play fits perfectly with the philosophy of Argentinian Diego Simeone at Atlético.
Although some fans feel that his 2023-24 season was not up to scratch, his statistics speak for themselves: 20 goals and assists in 36 Premier League appearances, and 7 goals and assists in 7 Champions League games.
Dani Olmo (Barcelona):
Dani Olmo is undoubtedly a very talented player, as he demonstrated at the Euros and during his time at RB Leipzig. Olmo is skilled, creative, quick, and has a good eye for goals. He will certainly be a major asset for Barcelona.
That’s not just based on his performances at the Euros, where he won the Golden Boot. Olmo has been impressing for years. Remember his performance against Bayern Munich in the 2023 German Supercup, or when he was selected in the Champions League’s revelation team in 2019. Olmo has always been an exceptional player.
Now that he’s back at his parent club, the football world is expecting the 26-year-old to sparkle.
Savinho (Manchester City):
Manchester City have also made a significant transfer by signing Savinho, the best dribbler in Spanish La Liga last season. Savinho, who contributed to Girona’s historic qualification for the Champions League, is also an outstanding creator. Named in La Liga’s team of the season, he is expected to be in the top five of this year’s Golden Boy awards.
Now, playing alongside outstanding players like De Bruyne, Haaland, and Foden, and under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Savinho should be ready for the English league.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal):
Arsenal have pulled out all the stops with the €50m signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The 22-year-old talent, known for his impressive performances at Euro 2024 and in Serie A, is ready to shine in the Gunners’ defense. But what exactly does he bring to the team?
Let’s start with his defensive role. Calafiori is a complete defender, comfortable on the ball and with an excellent reading of the game. Last season in Serie A, he ranked among the top 10 defenders for the number of successful passes and accurate passes in his own half. This involvement in the early stages of the game fits perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s vision, who appreciates defenders who can contribute to attacking play.
However, the Italian nugget is not only solid defensively. Calafiori also excels in attacking phases. He has remarkable qualities as a ball carrier. His spectacular assist at the Euro, which helped Italy qualify for the knockout phase, is proof of this. What’s more, last season in Serie A, he finished second among defenders in terms of assists, with 5 in 30 games. With his imposing height (1.88 m), he is also effective in the air, whether defending or attacking.
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton):
Minteh is a promising young talent who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Feyenoord last season. Brighton have a reputation for spotting promising young players, and their €35m investment in Minteh indicates that he could be a Premier League revelation.
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich):
Olise, a Franco-Nigerian winger, is one of the most exciting recruits of the summer. An excellent dribbler, creative, and with a nose for scoring goals, he was decisive 16 times in 19 Premier League appearances last season. He also shone at the Olympic Games, leading France to the final with 6 goals and assists in 5 games.
Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham):
Füllkrug, a classic center-forward, had a very good season with Dortmund, contributing to their Champions League success. He also showed his ability at the Euros, finishing just one goal short of the Golden Boot. His transfer to West Ham should prove a success in the short term.
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa):
Onana, a Senegalese-born Belgian midfielder, has been courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer. Aston Villa managed to secure his services for €59 million. Fast, strong, good with the ball, and intelligent, Onana should make an immediate impact as Aston Villa return to the Champions League.
These are the players expected to make an impact in the 2024–25 season. Do you agree with this list, or are there any other summer recruits you think will make sparks fly this season?
