5 biggest soccer transfer moves (so far) this summer

The summer transfer season is in full swing. With another month to wheeling-and-dealing to, here are the five biggest transfers in the soccer world so far. 

European soccer may be mostly dormant at the moment, minus a few preseason friendlies, but there’s been plenty of action going in the boardrooms.

The summer transfer window is in full swing and this is the period where clubs buy and sell players ahead of the start of the club season in just a few weeks. The window officially closes on Sept. 1.

Here are the five biggest transfers (so far) this summer.

5. Paulo Dybala (Juventus to AS Roma) 

The now-former Juventus playmaker fell out of favor in Turin midway through last season. As a result, he became one of the most-sought players in Serie A. Inter Milan, Napoli and AS Roma had all expressed interest, but the team managed by Jose Mourinho won out in the end.

https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/status/1549814972229865472

Dybala, 28, remains a dynamic and creative player. He makes AS Roma an instant title contender this coming season after they got him on a free transfer. The Argentine has already become a fan favorite among the Roma faithful even before he’s ever played in an official match.

4. Paul Pogba (Manchester United to Juventus) 

The 29-year-old French midfielder once played for Juventus from 2012 to 2016. Since then, Pogba has played for Manchester United to mixed results. Six years later, he’s back in a black-and-white jersey on a free transfer.

https://twitter.com/footitalia1/status/1548744935691673600

Pogba will be wearing the No. 10 jersey and expected to lead the midfield for the Italian giants. Pogba, who helped France win the World Cup in 2018, was brought in to help Juve win the Champions League and Serie AS title, hoping to lift the club to the heights it is used to competing at.

3. Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City to Arsenal) 

One of Brazil’s most-creative and lethal strikers went from one English team to another. Gabriel Jesus departed Manchester for London, where he will play for Arsenal this season after they spent $55 million for his transfer fee.

Gabriel Jesus, 25, is in his prime and could be the catalyst for getting the Gunners into the Champions League after missing out on the tournament by finishing fifth last season. The Brazilian has loads of experience, making him a great addition to Arsenal’s lineup.

2. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City) 

One of Europe’s top players is now a member of Manchester City, the defending Premier League champions. For Haaland, this is a big move and gives him the chance to play for manager Pep Guardiola. Man City paid a $51 million transfer free to secure Haaland’s signature.

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1550019865838247938

As for Man City, the 22-year-old Norway international provides plenty of offense in the form of goals. It makes Man City a Champions League contender after falling short once again last season. Haaland will need to adapt to the English game, but his ability to find the back of the net should get him over that hump.

1. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich to Barcelona) 

Barcelona made what could be the biggest deal so far this summer with the recent signing of Polish international Robert Lewandowski for a $46 million transfer fee.

The now-former Bayern star may be 33 years old, but he’s still got plenty of talent and energy to help the Catalan giants rebuild into a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. It’s true that Barca have money issues, but that hasn’t stopped them from putting together a roster of superstars.