With European soccer well underway again, we are nothing short of excited to see how seasons in Europe’s top leagues play out. The MLS has been going on regardless, seeing as the season starts and ends at different times to the European Leagues, but let’s be real, it doesn’t even compare to the excitement that we experience in Europe. This summer transfer window was possibly one of the craziest yet, seeing significant high-profile moves across the continent. We are still shocked at some of the moves, and some teams such as Paris Saint-Germain look absolutely terrifying with the firepower at their disposal. Keep reading through the article to discover the biggest transfers that occurred in the craziest transfer window of all time.
The Biggest Transfers Of Summer 2021
Lionel Messi
After the drama of the previous summer transfer window, where Messi had actually tried to force a move, claiming that Barcelona were refusing to honour his leave option; Messi actually left his beloved Barcelona this summer in bizarre circumstances. This move was particularly strange because Messi and Barcelona had agreed a new five-year deal. Everything was set in stone, for the move to ultimately be blocked by La Liga as a result of Barcelona’s financial situation. Barcelona’s financial situation has come under particular scrutiny recently with the inability to register new signings Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero; seeing senior players taking pay cuts in order to help out the club. Messi’s staggering wages however were quite frankly impossible. Even taking a 50% wage cut, his wages were still unaffordable for them. With great sadness for everyone involved, including Messi, he ultimately left the club on a free transfer and moved to French giants Paris-Saint Germain to reunite with former teammate Neymar as well as rising star Kylian Mbappe. The attacking trio of Mbappe, Messi and Neymar is just terrifying. A Champions League win is a must for the club with the playing staff they currently possess.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo just couldn’t let Messi have his moment in the sun. The debate over best world player has been going on for numerous years between Ronaldo and Messi, and Ronaldo couldn’t let Messi have all the attention. Just when the window couldn’t get any more shocking, Ronaldo was rumoured to be looking for a move from Turin club Juventus. Fans were reportedly shocked at rumours of Ronaldo to Manchester City, and luckily the board members at United couldn’t let his great history at the club be tarnished by joining their noisy neighbours. After agreeing a fee, Ronaldo to Man United was confirmed and fans were certainly impressed with the mega-signing. After already acquiring Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, bolstered by the return of Jesse Lingard and United legend Ronaldo, they are certainly looking like a strong team coming into the new season. This is possibly the best squad United has had since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and this is the season to show that they mean business.
Jack Grealish
Boyhood Villa fan Jack Grealish has been the talisman for Aston Villa for a number of years at this point, but there has been no secret of his desire to play at the highest level. Shocked by many, especially the Aston Villa board; Manchester City triggered his £100m release clause. Through some soul-searching, he ultimately decided to move to the Manchester club. England fans have fanboyed over Grealish for quite a while at this stage, especially after some positive performances at Euro 2020. It really seems like he will slide excellently into the already talented City side. Having featured heavily so far at the early stage of the season, it is clear that Pep brought him here to play. It is no secret that City have much competition in the final third attacking areas, having Benardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to compete with for a spot; but it seems like Grealish is up to the challenge. We are looking forward to seeing him finally compete in the Champions League this year.
Romelu Lukaku
Despite already having spent big bucks to bring in German attackers Kai Havertz and Timo Werner last season, the pair have been underwhelming when it comes to goals. Tuchel clearly felt to continue his initial success, reinforced firepower was needed at the top. Spending £97m to bring Lukaku back to the club, Lukaku has began where he left off, having a huge influence in Chelsea’s opening games. It really seems that Lukaku fits this Chelsea side perfectly, and the race for golden boot will definitely be interesting this season. Competing against the likes of Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah, we question whether Lukaku will be up to the challenge. Although it must be said, we think he will be.