Top 10 Best-Value Signings Of 2023 Summer Transfer Window

Top 10 Best-Value Signings Of 2023 Summer Transfer Window

This summer, spending rose to previously unheard-of levels, yet some teams were still able to seal fantastic deals.

The Saudi Pro League’s introduction into the European market gave the continent’s most famous players and agents another negotiating tool in the summer transfer window of 2023, which was marked by significant deals. But there are other factors at play in the market’s continued craziness besides the riches available in the Middle East.

READ ALSO: 30 Most Expensive Football Transfers Of All Time

Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo both moved between English teams for more than £100 million ($126 million), as the Premier League, fueled by massive TV deals, once again lived up to its reputation as the land of big spenders. Additionally, several European teams have shown their financial might. Harry Kane’s €100 million (£86 million/£108 million) transfer to Bayern Munich from Tottenham was the summer’s most expensive signing.

However, several teams have shown that it is still feasible to receive a fair bargain in this overpriced market. 

The 19 best-value transfers made by European clubs this summer are listed below by THEEAGLE.

#10 Timothy Weah – Lille to Juventus (£10.3m)

Technically, Lille made money this summer when they sold Tim Weah to Juventus. But it’s very obvious that the Bianconeri got the better deal here by signing the adaptable American international for just €12 million (£10.3 million/$13 million).

He is a wise replacement for Juan Cuadrado, who left Turin for Inter this summer, while still being only 23 years old. Weah was one of the few Juve players to stand out during their sad recent stalemate with Bologna, so the early indications are promising.

#9 Christian Pulisic – Chelsea to AC Milan (£17m)

This summer, Christian Pulisic finally came to terms with his Chelsea nightmare by agreeing to a bargain transfer to AC Milan. The deal only cost the Rossoneri £17 million ($22 million), which seems incredibly inexpensive for a player with his on-field and financial potential.

Since the American star moved to Italy, shirt sales have already exploded, and Stefano Pioli is finding him to be a perfect fit for his coaching style. At San Siro, Pulisic is likely to score many more goals after scoring in each of his first two Serie A games.

#8 Milan Skriniar – Inter to PSG (free)

Milan Skriniar is at last a player for Paris Saint-Germain, after a protracted period of time. As a result of Inter’s poor handling of the matter and enabling him to leave on a free transfer, this move was initially mooted last summer and whispers of it reappeared again in January.

PSG, who had long needed a defensive makeover, has benefited from it. Skriniar shifted right away into the centre of the defence and hasn’t missed a single Ligue 1 play so far. He missed a lot of last season due to a back issue, so it’s a promising start.

#7 Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chelsea to Nottingham Forest (£5m)

The demise of Callum Hudson-Odoi has been pretty bleak to watch. Once upon a time he commanded £70m ($90m) bids from Bayern Munich, but this summer he departed Stamford Bridge for less than a tenth of that.

Although it’s bad news for the Blues’ bank account, Nottingham Forest is giggling. Even if Hudson-Odoi isn’t a huge success, English players typically hold their value, therefore there is zero risk that they will lose money.

#6 James Maddison – Leicester to Tottenham (£40m)

Even in today’s market, £40 million ($51 million) is hardly cheap, but it still seems like Tottenham received value for their money in the James Maddison transaction. It is not an exaggeration to call the former Leicester player one of the top creators in the Premier League in recent years, and he has had an immediate impact since moving to north London.

Spurs were in desperate need of a strong personality to assume leadership of the team’s on- and off-field performances now that Kane was no longer the main guy. Maddison can deliver that and will immediately become a firm favourite among the Tottenham supporters.

#5 Ansu Fati – Barcelona to Brighton (loan)

These days, it’s difficult for anything to surprise us in the transfer market, but when news of Brighton’s alleged acquisition of Ansu Fati originally broke, the footballing community rubbed their collective eyes.

Injury setbacks have kept Fati from fully exploding in recent years, despite being tipped as Barcelona’s future after making an impressive breakthrough as a teenager. He obviously believes that Roberto De Zerbi is the man who can bring him back to his peak, and if the Italian can inspire the striker, this loan will turn out to be an exceptional value.

#4 Joao Cancelo – Man City to Barcelona (loan)

The Joao Cancelo example demonstrates how quickly a football player’s fortunes may shift. The Portuguese player made a name for himself as the world’s finest full-back during the 2021–22 season, finishing in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or voting.

In stark contrast, Cancelo’s final season was a complete failure. During a contentious season, he reportedly had disagreements with Pep Guardiola, Fernando Santos, and Thomas Tuchel. He will be aiming to put this disappointment behind him at Barcelona. 

This signing is a dream come true for the Catalan giants. They aren’t spending much, either, which should give the Blaugrana time to reorganise their finances and possibly make the transfer permanent next summer.

#3 Joao Felix – Atletico Madrid to Barcelona (loan)

Joao Felix’s decision to transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2019 has always seemed a little strange, as Diego Simeone’s attritional style doesn’t particularly fit languid forwards. At the Metropolitano, there were glimmers of promise, but his reign has – rather predictably – ended bitterly.

Felix used Fabrizio Romano’s extensive social media following to pleading for a transfer to Catalunya in July before running barefoot to Barca this summer. Only with a few hours remaining in the transfer window did he also achieve his goal. There are concerns about Felix’s level of fitness, yes, but Felix will be driven to disprove his critics, which might be a powerful prescription for success.

#2 Kim Min-jae – Napoli to Bayern Munich (£43m)

Kim Min-jae being so high on this ranking may surprise you. He doesn’t exactly meet the bill for a value purchase, but Bayern Munich can still be very happy that they only paid £43 million ($54.6 million) for the South Korean international.

Simply put, on present form, Kim is possibly the best center-back in the world. He was a titan for Napoli the previous season and boasts all the technical skills needed by top-level defenders in 2023. For including a release provision with such a low threshold in Kim’s contract, Napoli will be kicking themselves.

#1 Ilkay Gundogan – Man City to Barcelona (free)

Barcelona has recruited fairly successfully, despite all the speculation that they would struggle to find players because of their financial difficulties. Their most notable signing was Ilkay Gundogan, who they obtained for free.

The German international, who had just captained Manchester City to an unprecedented treble, would have had clubs lining up to recruit him if he hadn’t made it clear that his only goal was to sign with Barcelona when his contract expired. It’s a dream transfer for the midfielder, and he’ll be hoping his team defies the odds by retaining their La Liga championship this year.