Summer 2024 Football Transfers: 10 Shocking Moves You Might Have Missed

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The summer transfer window of 2024 was full of surprises and shocks as some of the most talented players in the world moved to new clubs. Here are 10 top transfers you might have missed or forgotten amid all the drama.

Alex Grimaldo (Benfica to Bayer Leverkusen)

The Spanish left-back was one of the best defenders in Portugal for several seasons, and he finally got his chance to shine in a bigger league. He joined Leverkusen for free and has been a key player for them in their Bundesliga, and in the last match against Bayern Munich, he scored a goal for them.

Alex Telles (Man Utd to Al-Nassr)

The Brazilian left-back had a disappointing spell at Old Trafford, where he struggled to displace Luke Shaw and suffered from injuries. He decided to move to Saudi Arabia, where he signed a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr and joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.

Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United to Al-Ahli)

The star winger Allan Saint-Maximin has been rated one of the most skilled footballers in the premier league, but his consistency was not good. Few clubs in the Premier League wanted to sign him, but he chose to play in the less competitive league with more money. Al-Ahli signed him for about 27.20 million euros and said goodbye to Newcastle after playing 124 matches for them.

Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe to Emirates Club)

The legendary midfielder left Barcelona in 2018 and joined Vissel Kobe in Japan, winning several trophies and playing alongside former teammates David Villa and Sergi Samper. He decided to extend his career for one more year and joined Emirates Club in the UAE Pro League. He has shown his class and vision and helped his team challenge for the title.

Angel Di Maria (Juventus to Benfica)

The Argentine winger had a brief stint at Juventus, where he joined from PSG in 2023. He failed to make an impact in Italy and returned to Benfica, where he played from 2007 to 2010. He has been reunited with his compatriot Jorge Jesus, who coached him during his first spell at the club. He has been enjoying his football again and scored some spectacular goals for the Portuguese giants.

Daichi Kamada (Frankfurt to Lazio)

The Japanese attacking midfielder was one of the most prolific players in the Bundesliga, where he scored 16 goals and provided seven assists for Frankfurt in 2022/23. He caught the eye of Lazio, who signed him for a free. He has adapted well to Serie A and has been a creative force for the Roman club. It is an amazing transfer for Lazio to get him on free transfer even when his market value is around 27 million euros.

Denis Zakaria (Juventus to Monaco)

The Swiss midfielder was another player who left Juventus after a disappointing season. He joined Monaco for a fee of around 20 million euros, and he has been a solid addition to their midfield. He has been providing balance and stability and chipped in with some goals and assists.

Isco (Free agent to Real Betis)

The Spanish playmaker was released by Real Madrid in 2023 after spending ten years at the club. He had several offers from abroad but decided to stay in Spain and join Real Betis, where he signed a two-year deal. He has been enjoying his football again, and he has been playing with freedom and flair. It was surprising that he had not played for any team for the past six months, as Sevilla released him in the winter window, but it was Real Betis who welcomed him into the club, and now he is enjoying the game time with the team.

Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid to Al-Shabab)

The Belgian winger left Atletico Madrid after six years at the club, where he won two La Liga titles and reached two Champions League finals. He joined Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, where he signed a three-year contract worth more than 100 million euros. He has been a star attraction for the club and the league and scored some stunning goals. Al-Shabab paid 15 million euros for his service, and it is quite a good deal for the Saudi club.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City to Aston Villa)

The Belgian midfielder was one of the best players in the Premier League, where he helped Leicester City win the FA Cup in 2021 and qualify for Europe several times. He joined Aston Villa for free, which has been a fantastic signing because getting a player like him free of cost is just an amazing deal for the Villa. Since Leicester City relegated from the Premier League last season, he has not signed an extended contract.