Going once, going twice: The best transfers done so far

The silly season is almost over as transfer stories, on their journey from newspaper rumour to completed medical, need to get finished soon if they are going to happen.

In comparison to recent summers, we haven’t seen the most shocking transfers but it’s been far from a quiet window. Big fees have been paid and some longrunning sagas have finally been resolved, with the likes Matthijs de Ligt finally picking his club and Eden Hazard’s not-so-secret move to Real Madrid finally materialising.

With the transfer window edging shut, we have put forward some of our best deals of the summer, judged on value and potential impact. Let’s start off with a certain young Dutchmen…

Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus (75 million euros)

Just about every top team in Europe wanted the Ajax captain, such was the impression that he made on scouts and the millions who watched his excellence throughout the Champions League last season.

De Ligt would have been no new name to such clubs, having been a regular for the Dutch champions since the age of 17. Strong, intelligent, good on the ball and with plenty of experience at the tender age of 19, De Ligt is so talented that hundreds of Photoshop-savvy fans across the world mocked him up in the shirt of their own club.

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But it was Juventus who landed the centre-back, literally, unveiling him in front of a plane in Turin. They paid a lot of money and he’s sure to be on a big wage, but in a few years time this might turn out to be the deal of the summer.

Value: 8/10

Potential: 10/10

Moise Kean to Everton (29 million pounds)

As one 19-year-old joined Juventus, another one left, for Moise Kean has signed for Premier League big-spenders, Everton.

If not for his speed, strength and goalscoring, Kean rose to worldwide prominence last season when he found himself as the target of racial abuse. To his credit, the teenager handled it well, speaking out proudly against such behaviour. However, it’s fair to say that Juventus handled the case far worse and it’s no surprise that Kean was open to a fresh start.

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For his age and undeniable potential, this has to be considered as one of the deals of the summer. The market is inflated and has been ever since PSG starting throwing cash about two years ago. With that considered, landing what could be their star striker for the next decade for under thirty million quid, seems like a bargain for The Toffees.

Value: 9/10

Potential: 8/10

Julian Brandt to BVB (25 million euros)

A deal that sums up German efficiency, Julian Brandt’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Borrusia Dortmund was wrapped up back in May.

A transfer target for the likes of Spurs and Liverpool, this was a statement signing from BVB who proved how serious they are about continuing their trajection up towards the top of Europe. At 25 million euros, this one went somewhat under the radar as far bigger fees had been mentioned surrounded the German winger who is highly-rated following some consistently good seasons.

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Brandt will strengthen BVB’s front line, offer a long-term replacement for Marco Reus and, with such an amount paid, won’t necessarily have to start every match like say a marquee signing would. Smart business from BVB.

Value: 10/10

Potential: 8/10

Leroy Fer to Feyenoord (Free transfer)

Much has been made of the amount of freebies available this summer and Feyenoord’s capture of Leroy Fer could be amongst the best of the Bosmans.

It is a good signing for both player and club. For Fer, a chance to re-energise his career after starring for a Swansea team that will be outside the Premier League for at least another season. For Feyenoord, a player that they already know very well and one that knows what the club and the city are all about.

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At 29, this is not a signing for the future but one for right now and he will add some experience and strength to Jaap Stam’s central midfield.

Value: 10/10

Potential: 7/10