Introduction

As the summer transfer window of 2024 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the biggest moves and their impacts. With billions spent on new talent, some clubs have reaped the rewards while others have faced disappointment. This article delves into the performances of the top 15 transfers, grading each move based on player contribution and club success.

Key Transfers and Their Impact

Julián Álvarez: €75m from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid

Position: Forward Age: 25 Percentage of league minutes: 73.4%

Julián Álvarez's move to Atlético Madrid has been a fascinating case study. Despite the stark contrast in playing styles between Manchester City and Atlético, Álvarez maintained a consistent output, matching his previous season's performance with 17 non-penalty goals+assists.

Grade: B

Dominic Solanke: €64.3m from Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspur

Position: Forward Age: 27 Percentage of league minutes: 64.4%

Solanke's transfer to Tottenham saw a dip in his goal output, from 17 non-penalty goals with Bournemouth to eight with Tottenham. However, his pressing and involvement in two-thirds of league minutes keep him from a lower grade.

Grade: C

Leny Yoro: €62m from Lille to Manchester United

Position: Center back Age: 19 Percentage of league minutes: 34.1%

Manchester United's acquisition of Yoro was a high-risk move. Despite his potential, limited playing time and performance issues have made this transfer a questionable decision.

Grade: C

Pedro Neto: €62m from Wolverhampton to Chelsea

Position: Winger Age: 25 Percentage of league minutes: 66.3%

Neto's move to Chelsea didn't yield the expected boost in performance. His production dropped, and he struggled to adapt to Chelsea's style of play.

Grade: C

João Neves: €59.9m from Benfica to PSG

Position: Midfielder Age: 20 Percentage of league minutes: 60.3%

João Neves has been a standout performer for PSG, playing a crucial role in their Champions League victory. His potential and current form make this transfer a resounding success.

Grade: A+

Amadou Onana: €59.3m from Everton to Aston Villa

Position: Midfielder Age: 23 Percentage of league minutes: 47.3%

Onana's transfer to Aston Villa has been hampered by injuries, limiting his impact. However, his youth and potential offer hope for future contributions.

Grade: C-

Teun Koopmeiners: €58.4m from Atalanta to Juventus

Position: Midfielder Age: 27 Percentage of league minutes: 58.3%

Koopmeiners' move to Juventus has been underwhelming. His attacking output has significantly decreased, raising questions about the transfer's value.

Grade: C

Dani Olmo: €55m from RB Leipzig to Barcelona

Position: Attacking midfielder Age: 27 Percentage of league minutes: 35.4%

Olmo's limited playing time and Barcelona's financial constraints make this transfer a questionable decision.

Grade: D

Michael Olise: €53m from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich

Position: Winger Age: 23 Percentage of league minutes: 76.3%

Olise has been a revelation for Bayern Munich, justifying his transfer fee with consistent, high-level performances.

Grade: A+

João Félix: €52m from Atlético Madrid to Chelsea

Position: Winger Age: 25 Percentage of team minutes: 10.8%

João Félix's move to Chelsea has been a disaster, with minimal playing time and a subsequent loan to AC Milan.

Grade: F

Douglas Luiz: €51.5m from Aston Villa to Juventus

Position: Midfielder Age: 27 Percentage of team minutes: 15.5%

Luiz's transfer to Juventus has been underwhelming, with limited impact and playing time.

Grade: D-

João Palhinha: €51m from Fulham to Bayern Munich

Position: Midfielder Age: 29 Percentage of team minutes: 22%

Palhinha's move to Bayern Munich has been disappointing, with questions about his fit in a possession-dominant team.

Grade: D-

Désiré Doué: €50m from Rennes to PSG

Position: Winger/midfielder Age: 19 Percentage of team minutes: 56.5%

Doué has been a key player for PSG, contributing significantly to their Champions League success.

Grade: A

Manuel Ugarte: €50m from PSG to Manchester United

Position: Midfielder Age: 24 Percentage of team minutes: 52.2%

Ugarte's transfer to Manchester United has been average, with no significant impact on the team's performance.

Grade: C

Endrick: €72m from Palmeiras to Real Madrid

Position: Forward Age: 18 Percentage of team minutes: 10.6%

Endrick's move to Real Madrid is a long-term investment. While his current impact is limited, his potential is undeniable.

Grade: C

Conclusion

The summer of 2024 has seen a mix of successful and questionable transfers. While some players have thrived in their new environments, others have struggled to make an impact. As clubs continue to invest heavily in new talent, the true value of these transfers will only become clear in the seasons to come.