Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid and the best summer transfers: where does Leny Yoro to Man United rank?

With a month to go, summer transfer deals will be in the spotlight over the next two weeks as European football leagues prepare for their return. While some impressive strides have been made, this has not been the busy window many expected. However, there is still time to change that. Beating Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid is unlikely to be the most high-profile move of the summer window, but international tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2024, Copa America and now the 2024 Paris Olympics have given players platforms to show what they be able to.

We take a look at five notable pieces of summer transfer work.

Honorable mentions

Although they didn’t make the top five, Real Madrid’s arrival of Endrick and Juventus’ signing of Douglas Luiz deserve attention. The Brazilian was lined up for the Spanish giants before Mbappe’s arrival was confirmed and the price tag of around $52 million could look like a bargain if he develops as expected alongside French superstar Jude Bellingham and his compatriot Vini Jr. Aston Villa received a total package worth just over $56 million, even though that is now what it has cost Juve financially. The Italian giants have been given a new metronomic presence in their midfield, while he will now partner Khephren Thuram, who also came in as part of a rebuild following the departure of Adrien Rabiot.

5. Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad

An unexpected second move in as many summers for the France international, part of a deal that is a rare example of all parties potentially benefiting. Villa are cashing in on a player who hasn’t exactly excelled in his only season in the Premier League, while Al-Ittihad are signing a high-profile star who will help not only the club, but also the league in terms of interest. Diaby himself may be part of the Saudi club that is building up around Karim Benzema, with a core with French influences, including N’Golo Kante, Houssem Aouar and Fabinho. Unai Emery’s Villans took advantage of that roughly $65 million price tag by signing the likes of Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana.

4. Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal

After a breakout performance at the 2024 Euros with a disappointing Italian side, the Gunners positioned themselves to sign the versatile defender for just under $50 million. Providing Mikel Arteta’s men with depth in central defence, but also on the left, the 22-year-old could prove fantastic value for money if Arsenal can maintain their recent consistency and challenge Manchester City for the title again to challenge. Riccardo Calafiori is the kind of addition who has the potential to make a difference in terms of the Londoners’ overall collective over the course of a long and exhausting season.

3. Michael Olise to Bayern Munich

The France international has been in need of a big move for some time now and while it was expected to be to another Premier League club, Bayern Munich is where the 22-year-old will now develop. Michael Olise is currently starring for hosts France at the Paris Olympics and at just under $58 million, big things are expected from the former Crystal Palace man, who certainly looks like a star in the making. If he can adapt to his new surroundings in Germany, with Bavaria generally a good landing point for French talent, he could prove to be one of the brightest signings this summer.

2. Leny Yoro to Manchester United

Although he has unfortunately just suffered an injury that will likely keep him out for a few months, the French defender has been one of the best players this season. United have signed a potential generational talent to take Erik ten Hag’s backline out from under Real Madrid’s noses. At just under $68 million, the price tag may seem quite high now, but it could prove to be a snip in a few years if he performs as expected at Old Trafford. First of all, Yoro will have to work his way back from injury, but there is no doubt that the 18-year-old is expected to achieve big things in the coming years, making this one of the best transfers in recent years.

1. Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid

The French superstar, who arrives from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent and joins Real, is undoubtedly the best summer company. Despite a sub-par European Championship in Germany and question marks over his form and fitness over the past 12 months, Mbappe is currently the best player in the world and has been added to a star-studded squad coached by top tactician Carlo Ancelotti. PSG have been weakened by the loss of their talisman, while Real were already European kings without the 25-year-old. Even if the extra costs push up finances significantly, regardless of whether there is a transfer fee, the possibility of Mbappé joining Bellingham, Endrick and Vini Jr. next season is still there. Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu will be frightening for any European club.