The 2024–2025 season has been a blur of transfer activity, with both under-the-radar deals that steal the show and blockbuster moves that make headlines. Although transfer fees are frequently a topic of discussion, a player’s actual worth is demonstrated by their goals, assists, match ratings, and the unquantifiable spark they provide to his team. Here is my ranking of the season’s best ten signings after looking at the numbers and considering their overall impact.
10. Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué
With occasional bursts of genius, PSG’s acquisition of Désiré Doué has been a slow burn. The 19-year-old French attacking midfielder has made 39 appearances, contributing 11 assists and 7 goals since joining from Rennes for €50 million. Despite his inconsistency, his technical skill and adaptability have given PSG’s team more depth. There is no denying his talent at this age, and as the season goes on, his influence should increase.
9. João Neves (via Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain)
After a brief loan stint at Real Betis to begin the season, 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder oão Neves joined PSG from Benfica for €60 million. He has four goals and nine assists in 38 games for PSG, with an average match rating of 7.7. He is a wise long-term investment for the Ligue 1 powerhouses because of his poise on the ball and defensive work ethic, which have strengthened PSG’s midfield.
8. Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku joined Napoli for €30 million following a tumultuous time at AS Roma and a summer of transfer rumours. With 10 goals and 9 assists in 29 games, the Belgian striker has found his rhythm again in Serie A. Napoli’s assault has been rejuvenated by his physical presence and link-up play, which has propelled them up the table and demonstrated that he is still a formidable force at age 31.
7. FC Porto’s Samuel Aghehowa
Formerly known as Samuel Omorodion, Samuel Aghehowa has been a revelation since joining FC Porto for €15 million, which allowed Porto to acquire 50% of his rights. With an incredible 20 goals in 34 games, the 20-year-old Spanish-Nigerian attacker has swept the Primeira Liga. Although there were some questions surrounding his move from Real Madrid, his incredible play has silenced sceptics and established him as one of the season’s breakout stars.
6. Galatasaray member Victor Osimhen
The summer window was dominated by Victor Osimhen’s transfer drama. The Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan with a €75 million buyout option after a botched Premier League deal and protracted negotiations with Napoli. He has scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances, excelling in the Süper Lig with an average rating of 8.0. This is a victory for the Turkish team because of his speed and finishing, which have completely changed Galatasaray’s front line.
5. Dortmund, Borussia’s Serhou Guirassy
Serhou Guirassy, who moved clubs for €18 million after a season in which he scored 30 goals with Stuttgart, hasn’t missed a beat at Dortmund. With 34 goals and five assists in 36 games, the 29-year-old Guinean attacker has made 29 contributions. He has established himself as one of Europe’s best forwards thanks to his dependability and aerial prowess.
4. Barcelona’s Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo brought his Euro 2024 Golden Boot and SuperCopa championship with him as he moved from RB Leipzig to Barcelona for €60 million. In 27 games, including 15 starts, the 26-year-old Spaniard has excelled, tallying 7 goals and dishing out 5 assists. He is an essential component of Hansi Flick’s system, as evidenced by his inventiveness and clutch performances, which are reflected in his 7.2 average rating.
3. Bayern Munich player Michael Olise
The 23-year-old French winger Michael Olise, who cost €60 million to acquire from Crystal Palace, has made an immediate impact for Bayern Munich. With an average rating of 7.7, he has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in 40 games. Bayern’s assault has gained vitality thanks to his dribbling, vision, and talent for breaking through defences, indicating a promising future in Bavaria.
2. Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez.
After a tough start to his €75 million transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid, 24-year-old World Cup winner Julián Álvarez has settled well. He has played a key role for Atletico with 23 goals and 5 assists in 44 games; this season, he has even scored against Real Madrid and Barcelona. He is a wonderful match for Diego Simeone’s team because of his work ethic and finishing skills.
1. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé
The summer’s biggest story was Kylian Mbappé’s free move from PSG to Real Madrid, and the 26-year-old Frenchman has lived up to the expectations. He has won the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 28 games, scoring 31 goals and dishing out five assists. His 7.7 average rating doesn’t fully capture his game-changing presence: blistering pace, audacious skill, and big-moment mentality. Mbappé is already the season’s most notable acquisition, while still getting used to La Liga.
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