Kylian Mbappe, Endrick, and the Top Summer Transfer Deals of 2024

The European transfer window closed with a flurry of last-minute deals on Friday, but some of the best moves were finalized well before the deadline. Here’s a look at the standout transfers of the 2024/25 summer window.

1. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid – Free Transfer)
Kylian Mbappe’s long-anticipated move to Real Madrid was the biggest story of the summer. After letting his contract with Paris Saint-Germain run down, Mbappe fulfilled his dream of joining Los Blancos on a free transfer. Despite being one of football’s worst-kept secrets, the move was still the most significant business of the window.

Mbappe left PSG with a collection of domestic trophies but without the coveted Champions League title, leading to his decision to join Madrid. Real Madrid didn’t hesitate to meet his demands, offering a hefty signing-on fee of €150 million over five years, along with an annual salary of €15 million. Though he’s yet to score in La Liga, Mbappe has already made his mark by netting in Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup victory against Atalanta.

2. Endrick (Palmeiras to Real Madrid – €47.5m)
Real Madrid didn’t stop at Mbappe; they also secured the services of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick. The €47.5 million transfer fee reflects the club’s commitment to building for the future. At just 18, Endrick made an immediate impact by scoring in a 3-0 win over Valladolid, becoming the youngest foreign player to score for Madrid in La Liga. With 10 caps for Brazil already, Endrick is widely regarded as the next big star for the Selecao.

3. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid – €75m)

Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid was one of the more intriguing transfers this summer. Despite his impressive trophy haul, which includes Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup titles, Alvarez has flown somewhat under the radar. Atletico acted quickly to secure his signature, outmaneuvering clubs like Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine forward’s intelligence in the penalty area and clinical finishing make him one of the most underrated talents in world football.

4. Joao Palhinha (Fulham to Bayern Munich – €51m)

Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Joao Palhinha addresses a glaring need for steel in midfield. The Portuguese midfielder, known for his aggressive tackling and physical presence, nearly joined Bayern last summer, but Fulham held firm. Bayern paid the price for missing out on him, finishing third in the Bundesliga last season. Now, under new manager Vincent Kompany, Palhinha is expected to be a key figure as Bayern aim to reclaim their dominance in Germany.

5. Joao Cancelo (Manchester City to Al Hilal – $28m)

Joao Cancelo’s move to Al Hilal was another headline-grabbing transfer. After falling out with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and spending last season on loan at Barcelona, Cancelo found a new home in Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal, Saudi champions, capitalized on Barcelona’s financial constraints to secure the versatile full-back. Cancelo’s passing ability and adaptability on both flanks make him a valuable asset as Al Hilal strives to set themselves as a dominant force in Asia.

These transfers not only show the ever-changing dynamics of European football but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Each player brings unique qualities to their new teams, and fans will be eager to see how they act on their new stages.
The 2024/25 summer transfer window featured several standout moves that have reshaped the landscape of European football. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant transfers and what they mean for the clubs involved:

1. **Kylian Mbappe (Free Transfer to Real Madrid)**
The saga of Kylian Mbappe’s future finally concluded with his move to Real Madrid. After declining to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe realized his long-held dream of joining the Spanish giants. Real Madrid invested heavily in the free transfer, agreeing to a substantial €150 million signing-on fee over five years and an annual salary of €15 million. Although he is yet to score in La Liga, Mbappe made an immediate impact by netting in Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta, underlining his potential to be a game-changer for the club.

2. **Endrick (Palmeiras to Real Madrid for €47.5 million)**
Real Madrid continued their strategy of securing young talents by acquiring Brazilian prodigy Endrick from Palmeiras. The €47.5 million investment highlights their commitment to the future. At only 18, Endrick wasted no time showcasing his talent, scoring in his debut in a 3-0 victory against Valladolid. His rapid rise has already seen him earn 10 caps for Brazil, and he is tipped to be a significant star for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.

3. **Julian Alvarez (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid for €75 million)**
Atletico Madrid’s signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City could be one of the most astute deals of the summer. Despite a glittering resume that includes a Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup, Alvarez has remained somewhat underappreciated. His knack for finding space and clinical finishing will add a new dimension to Atletico’s attack. Atletico outmaneuvered several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, to land the Argentine forward, who now aims to shine under Diego Simeone’s tactical setup.

4. **Joao Palhinha (Fulham to Bayern Munich for €51 million)**
Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Joao Palhinha addresses their long-standing need for a robust midfield presence. The Portuguese midfielder, known for his aggressive tackling and physical style, was on Bayern’s radar last summer, but Fulham managed to hold onto him. This time, Bayern didn’t miss out, signing Palhinha for €51 million. With new manager Vincent Kompany at the helm, Bayern is banking on Palhinha’s attributes to reclaim their spot atop the Bundesliga after a disappointing third-place finish last season.

5. **Joao Cancelo (Manchester City to Al Hilal for $28 million)**
Joao Cancelo’s move to Al Hilal from Manchester City surprised many but represents the ongoing trend of top talents moving to the Saudi Pro League. After a loan spell at Barcelona, Cancelo chose Al Hilal amid Barcelona’s financial issues. His versatility and passing abilities make him a valuable addition as Al Hilal looks to dominate Asian football. His transfer underscores the financial pull of the Saudi league and the increasing appeal it holds for high-profile players.

These transfers reflect not only the evolving dynamics of the European football market but also the strategic directions of these clubs. As these players settle into their new teams, fans around the world eagerly anticipate how their unique skills will influence the upcoming season’s narrative.