Manchester: The 2021 summer transfer window saw the most astonishing array of transfers, from Paris Saint-Germain landing on Talisman Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo’s doomsday dramatic return to Old Trafford. While some transfers have bolstered the teams, others are yet to make their marks. We, here at Sportslight Media have ranked below the most successful transfers in our opinion.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus to Manchester United): The world came to stand still for a moment, with the rapidity of the event as Ronaldo made an iconic homecoming to Manchester United after almost signing for arch-rivals Manchester City. Ronaldo being the prolific goal scorer he is, has already found the net four times in three appearances for Manchester United across Premier League and Champions League. The Portugal duo of Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes as they pair up with pivotal Paul Pogba has become a nightmare for their opponents. Although the start to Champions League was poor the English side has been able to establish themselves as title contenders in the league.
2. Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan to Chelsea): The Premier League witnessed another homecoming as Romelu Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan. The Serie A top scorer have held in the form in England to having already scored four goals for the reigning European Champions and giving the other strikers of the league a run for the money.
3. Memphis Depay (Olympic Lyonnaise to FC Barcelona): The story of Barcelona and Netherlands continued as Memphis Depay joined the Spanish Giants from Lyon. Depay has been leading the line and has found the net twice in five appearances in an otherwise underwhelming start to the season for Barcelona who are still shaken with the loss of Lionel Messi
4. Rodrigo De Paul (Udinese to Atletico Madrid): Argentina finally had their hands on the much anticipated Copa America trophy and Rodrigo De Paul has been the most essential part of the victory. As impressive as he has been in the Albiceleste jersey, he has been the same for Atlético. He has added a new zest to the midfield that has been fairly evident.
5. Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes to Real Madrid): 18-year-old Eduardo Camavinga had a dream debut coming off the bench and finding the net as Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 5-2. He had also made a very impactful Champions League debut in the Blancos shirt.
Honorary Mention: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Manchester City): Manchester City made one of the most expensive signings as they brought in Aston Villa fans Jack Grealish to fill in the boots for Sergio Aguero. Although Grealish did not have a hoped debut, the English forward has picked up ever since and has found the net thrice for the Citizens as well as an assist across three different competitions.
Although these were our top 5, it would be quite unfair to not mention Achraf Hakimi, who made a move from Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain for 60m euros, and Gini Wijnaldum who joined the same club from Liverpool as a free agent, the players have established them as important players in head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
