The Three Most Expensive Transfers That Have Happened Already This Summer

With the culmination of the thrilling UEFA Euro 2024, attention now turns back to domestic matters, and Europe’s finest clubs are all aiming to strengthen their teams. The Three Most Expensive Transfers of the summer and perhaps of the last decade have already been announced, with France captain and talisman Kylian Mbappe leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join reigning European champions Real Madrid. The maverick Frenchman will earn a reported €15m a year at the Bernabeu, a pay cut from what he was receiving in the French capital, as well as a €100m signing-on fee.

But as the Mbappe deal was technically a free transfer, he doesn’t feature on our list. Here are the three most expensive transfers that have taken place already this summer.

Michael Olise

Michael Olise’s move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich is arguably the most eye-catching transfer of the summer so far. The young Frenchman had attracted interest from several European giants after his scintillating performances at Selhurst Park, but it’s the German giants that have secured his signature for a reported fee of €53m. The talented winger has shone in the Premier League since leaving Reading in 2021, and his partnership with fellow attacker Eberechi Eze was one of the most feared double acts in the English top flight.

The 22-year-old has become known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and ability to deliver dangerous set-pieces, and he was one of Crystal Palace’s standout players last season. The appointment of former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner revitalized the Eagles and Olise was crucial to their success. Now, the South London outfit will have to use the whopping windfall to strengthen in several crucial areas.

Bayern Munich is a team that is rebuilding following a disastrous season last term. Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been appointed as their new manager, despite suffering relegation with Burnley last season, and he has immediately turned his attention back to the Premier League to strengthen. Despite the Bavarians missing out on the Meisterschale to Bayer Leverkusen, the latest soccer odds make Bayern a -200 to return to the Bundesliga’s summit last season. Olise will have to live up to the billing if that favourites tag is to prove justified.

Douglas Luiz

Douglas Luiz’s transfer from Aston Villa to Juventus represents another major move in this summer’s transfer window. The Brazilian midfielder has been a key figure in Villa’s renaissance ever since Unai Emery took over the club. When the former Villareal boss joined, the West Midlands outfit was attempting to stave off relegation. Two years later, they are now in the Champions League.

Luiz was crucial to that success, but, with several other impressive midfielders on the club’s books, including the likes of Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans, the former Manchester City man was seen as dispensable. Italian heavyweights Juventus were only too happy to pay an estimated €51.5m to snap him up and sure up a midfield crying out for some bite. Luiz will certainly provide that and more, allowing the likes of Manuel Locatell and Nicolò Fagioli the freedom to shine.

New manager Thiago Motta worked wonders with Bologna last season, leading them to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. That success was built upon the likes of defender Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee. Luiz is very much a signing in the new manager’s ilk, with Motta being a powerhouse in defensive midfield throughout his playing career, with the likes of Inter Milan and Barcelona.

For Aston Villa, losing Luiz is a significant blow. However, the club is confident that it can reinvest the substantial transfer fee to reinforce other areas of the squad and continue its progress under Unai Emery. They have already brought in Ross Barkley from Luton Town, and expect more in the not-too-distant future.

João Palhinha

In addition to Michael Olise, Bayern Munich has turned to the Premier League to seal a deal for Fulham defensive midfielder João Palhinha. The Portuguese international has been one of the standout performers for the Cottagers over the last two years, earning rave reviews for his consistent and commanding displays in the heart of his club’s midfield. He had no end of potential suitors this summer, but he too will join Olise at the Allianz Arena.

The former Benfica man’s ability to break up play, maintain possession, and dictate the tempo of the game made him an invaluable asset for Fulham, who managed to secure a respectable mid-table finish in each of the last two campaigns, even threatening to qualify for Europe 12 months ago. His physical presence, coupled with his tactical awareness and passing range, makes him a perfect fit for an ageing Bayern midfield which is desperate for a rebuild.

Fulham boss Marco Silva will be disappointed to lose his midfield lynchpin but he will also be buoyed by the significant transfer fee received, thought to be around €50m. The club will now look to reinvest in strengthening its squad to build on last season’s successes and avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.