The 2024/25 season has delivered a whirlwind of transfer activity, blockbuster moves that dominated headlines and under-the-radar deals that quietly stole the show. Transfer fees often spark debate, but a player’s true value shines through in their performances: goals, assists, match ratings, and the intangible spark they bring to their team. After digging into the stats and weighing their overall influence, here’s my ranking of the top 10 signings of the season.
10. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
PSG’s acquisition of Désiré Doué has been a slow burn with flashes of brilliance. The 19-year-old French attacking midfielder, signed from Rennes for €50 million, has featured in 39 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists. His versatility and technical flair have added depth to PSG’s squad, though he’s still finding consistency. At his age, the potential is undeniable, and his impact should grow as the season progresses.
9. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, via Real Betis)
João Neves, the 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder, joined PSG from Benfica for €60 million, with a brief loan spell at Real Betis to start the season. In 38 appearances for PSG, he’s notched 4 goals and 9 assists, averaging a 7.7 match rating. His composure on the ball and defensive work rate have bolstered PSG’s midfield, making him a shrewd long-term investment for the Ligue 1 giants.
8. Romelu Lukaku (Napoli)
After a turbulent stint at AS Roma and a summer of transfer speculation, Romelu Lukaku landed at Napoli for €30 million. The Belgian striker has rediscovered his groove in Serie A, racking up 10 goals and 9 assists in 29 appearances. His physical presence and link-up play have revitalized Napoli’s attack, pushing them up the table and proving he’s still a force at 31.
7. Samuel Aghehowa (FC Porto)
Samuel Aghehowa, formerly known as Samuel Omorodion, has been a revelation since his €15 million move from Atlético Madrid to FC Porto, a deal that saw Porto secure 50% of his rights. The 20-year-old Spanish-Nigerian striker has taken the Primeira Liga by storm, scoring an astonishing 20 goals in 34 games. His departure from Madrid raised eyebrows, but his explosive form has silenced doubters and marked him as one of the season’s breakout stars.
6. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen’s transfer saga gripped the summer window. After a failed Premier League move and stalled talks with Napoli, the Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan with a €75 million buy option. In 30 games, he’s delivered 26 goals and 5 assists, thriving in the Süper Lig with a 8.0 average rating. His pace and finishing have transformed Galatasaray’s frontline, making this a coup for the Turkish side.
5. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Fresh off a 30-goal season with Stuttgart, Serhou Guirassy swapped clubs for €18 million and hasn’t missed a beat at Dortmund. The 29-year-old Guinean striker has contributed 29 times, with 34 goals and 5 assists in 36 matches. His consistency and aerial dominance have made him indispensable, cementing his status as one of Europe’s top forwards.
4. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Dani Olmo arrived at Barcelona from RB Leipzig for €60 million, carrying the weight of his Euro 2024 Golden Boot and a SuperCopa title. the 26-year-old Spaniard has shone, scoring 7 goals and adding 5 assists in 27 appearances, with 15 starts. His 7.2 average rating reflects his creativity and clutch performances, proving he’s a vital cog in Hansi Flick’s system.
3. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich snagged Michael Olise from Crystal Palace for €60 million, and the 23-year-old French winger has hit the ground running. In 40 games, he’s racked up 13 goals and 10 assists, averaging a 7.7 rating. His dribbling, vision, and knack for unlocking defenses have injected dynamism into Bayern’s attack, signaling a bright future in Bavaria.
2. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Julián Álvarez’s €75 million move from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid started slowly, but the 24-year-old World Cup winner has found his stride. With 23 goals and 5 assists in 44 appearances, he’s been instrumental in Atlético, he has even scored against both Barcelona and Real Madrid this season. His work rate and finishing have made him a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s side.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé’s free transfer from PSG to Real Madrid was the saga of the summer, and the 26-year-old Frenchman has lived up to the hype. In 28 games, he’s scored 31 goals and provided 5 assists, while lifting the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup. His 7.7 average rating doesn’t fully capture his game-changing presence: blistering pace, audacious skill, and big-moment mentality. Still adjusting to La Liga, Mbappé is already the season’s standout signing.
Notable Mentions
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Antony (Real Betis, loan)
Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
Neymar (Santos)
Jhon Durán (Al-Nassr)
Mason Greenwood (Marseille)
Marco Asensio (Aston Villa)
Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid)
Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus)
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Willian Pacho (PSG)
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Nikola Milenković (Nottingham Forest)
Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)
