Throughout the summer, GOAL will be assigning ratings to the most significant transfers from various countries.
For certain football enthusiasts, the off-season is the period of time on the calendar that they anticipate the most, as it signifies one thing: the commencement of transfers! Despite the window nearing its end, prominent figures are still being associated with top-tier teams, generating intense speculation.
It is well acknowledged that certain transfers result in favourable outcomes for all parties concerned. However, there are several instances where either one of the clubs or even the player themselves are left pondering the potential consequences of making an alternative decision throughout the negotiation process.
Barcelona’s performance was quite humiliating. One year after successfully persuading one of the top midfielders in the world to reject higher salary offers from other clubs and join Barcelona, the team has been forced to release Gundogan from their payroll due to their own financial difficulties. Despite being the team’s top performer last season, contributing 14 assists in all competitions, the former Germany international had to be let go in order for the financially struggling Catalans to make their sole significant summer acquisition, Dani Olmo. Barcelona allowed Gundogan to depart without receiving any compensation, despite having two years remaining on his contract. This decision highlights the lack of seriousness and disarray inside FC Barcelona. Grade: Real Sociedad’s performance was a significant setback, albeit not entirely unexpected. La Real undoubtedly desired to retain one of the central figures in their momentous qualification for last season’s Champions League, as well as their subsequent advancement to the last 16. However, Merino’s circumstances differed somewhat from those of Martin Zubimendi. At 28 years old, he was in the last year of his contract, thus it was necessary to sell him during the summer. Sociedad maintained their initial assessment and, with further payments, are now poised to earn triple the amount they originally paid Newcastle for Merino six years ago. Grade: B
Arsenal has successfully acquired the individual they were seeking. Arsenal’s unwavering determination to get Merino for their midfield ultimately yielded positive results. This player does not possess significant potential for future resale worth. However, he has been acquired for immediate use, and Merino is very capable of seamlessly fitting into the middle of the Gunners. The Spanish player is exceptionally energetic. He emerged as the top performer in terms of winning duels among all players in Europe’s major leagues last season. Additionally, he demonstrated his aerial prowess and ability to score goals with his decisive winning goal against Germany in the quarter-finals of the Euros. Clearly, it is evident why Mikel Arteta was highly enthusiastic about acquiring his signature. He is a diligent and skilled football player who would be a valuable asset to the Arsenal team. Furthermore, he has arrived at a quite affordable cost. Grade: B plus
Merino is getting a second opportunity to compete in the Premier League, and this time it is expected to be more successful than his first attempt. Merino only scored one goal in 17 games during his single season at Newcastle in 2017-18, but he has made significant progress since then. Currently, there are only a few midfielders in the world who are better at gaining control of the ball, especially in advanced positions on the field. Additionally, he recently had the most successful season of his career, scoring eight goals in all competitions last year. Merino will face high expectations due to the persistent pursuit of his services. However, it is easy to imagine him flourishing in partnership with Declan Rice, much like he did alongside Zubimendi. Grade: ExcellentReal Sociedad experienced a significant setback, although it was not entirely unexpected. La Real would have undoubtedly preferred to retain one of the main contributors to their remarkable qualification for last season’s Champions League, as well as their subsequent advancement to the last 16. However, Merino’s circumstances were slightly from those of Martin Zubimendi. The individual, who is 28 years old, had reached the last year of his contractual agreement, therefore making it imperative to sell him during the summer. Sociedad maintained their initial assessment and, with further payments included, are now poised to earn triple the amount they originally paid Newcastle for Merino six years ago. Grade: B
Arsenal has successfully acquired the individual they were seeking. Arsenal displayed unwavering determination in their pursuit of acquiring Merino for their midfield, and their persistence ultimately yielded positive results. Although this player does not possess significant potential for future resale value, he has been acquired for immediate use. Merino is highly skilled and can seamlessly integrate into the Arsenal midfield. The Spanish player is exceptionally energetic and versatile. Last season, he emerged as the top performer in terms of winning duels among all players in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues. Additionally, his ability to score goals was evident in his decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-finals of the Euros, showcasing his strength in aerial challenges and his significant threat to opposing teams. Clearly, it is evident why Mikel Arteta was highly enthusiastic about acquiring his signature. He is a diligent and skilled football player who would be a valuable asset to the Arsenal team. Furthermore, he has arrived at a quite affordable cost. Grade: B plus
Merino is set to have a second opportunity in the Premier League, which is expected to be more successful than his last attempt. Merino only scored one goal in 17 games during his single season at Newcastle in 2017-18, but he has made significant progress since then. Currently, there are only a few midfielders in the world who are better at gaining control of the ball, especially in advanced positions on the field. Additionally, he recently had the most successful season of his career, scoring eight goals in all competitions last year. Merino will have high expectations due to the persistent pursuit of his services. However, it is easy to imagine him flourishing alongside Declan Rice, similar to how he succeeded alongside Zubimendi. Grade: Excellent
Manchester City’s return is both surprising and highly appreciated. Despite Gundogan’s absence, City triumphed in the Premier League last season. However, there were occasions when they felt the absence of his big-game prowess, which Kyle Walker humorously likened to the transformation into a “prime Zinedine Zidane” during the crucial stages of the season. Is Gundogan expected to be a consistent presence this time? Unlikely, but based on his performance at Barcelona last season and during Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign, he still possesses the necessary skill and competitive mindset to excel at the greatest level. Pep Guardiola is reportedly thrilled to have Gundogan back, which succinctly conveys the significance of the situation. Despite his current age of 33, it was an obvious decision for City to re-sign their captain who led them to win three major titles, and do so without having to pay a transfer fee. Grade: B plus
Gundogan has the finest possible alternative. Gundogan evidently expressed his willingness to remain at Barcelona. He departed from the City at an opportune moment, following the successful completion of the treble, and was determined to pursue a fresh endeavour in a somewhat brighter location. Since he was a child, he had held a deep admiration for Barcelona, making it a dream come true for him when he finally moved there. Nevertheless, the club’s persistent financial difficulties have resulted in his inevitable departure. Gundogan had the option to choose another place, but he chooses to stay as a strong competitor who rightfully believes that he still has a lot to contribute at the greatest level. Undoubtedly, Bruno Fernandes was the only player who generated more opportunities than Gundogan in the top five European leagues last season. He should seamlessly reintegrate into Guardiola’s squad. Grade: Excellent
The objective is to guarantee that you are aware of the most successful outcome of any significant transaction before the contracts are even finalised. During the summer transfer window, we will evaluate and assess every completed transaction in real-time, enabling you to monitor the significant beneficiaries and casualties of the transfer season.
Please review the most recent grades provided below and share your thoughts in the comments area.
