The summer transfer window 2023 has already witnessed some big-money signings and movements, and it is expected to give way to more such transfers until it closes on September 1. After it began on June 14, the top clubs of Europe and America have been busy strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.
A new force from the East has also entered the market this summer transfer window, as many prominent names have been making a move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League. While some transfers have been on the expected lines, some movements have left the entire world in a spin. Here, we shall look at the latest rumours and confirmed deals from this football transfer window.
Biggest Transfers of The Summer 2023
Lionel Messi – PSG to Inter Miami
This has been the most significant news coming out of this transfer window. After Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain last season due to unavoidable circumstances, the maestro was expected to return to Barcelona again this year, provided the club was financially able to bring him back. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out so, and Messi chose a new destination for himself: Inter Miami, a major club from USA’s Major League Soccer.
Messi’s deal is worth over $150 million in total, including his wage, signing bonus and equity in the team. This excludes the money he will generate from selling his merchandise and other sponsorship deals. The Argentine is expected to join the club on July 1, and he will be seen making his debut for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul of Liga MX at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21.
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad
After 14 successful seasons with Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has decided to join Al-Ittihad from the Saudi Pro League. According to media reports, Benzema’s deal is worth more than 100 million euros ($106.89 million).
This move makes sense considering the stage he is at in his career. Benzema is 35 years old now, which means he is at the twilight of his career, so there is no harm in going all out for one final big payday. He is still at the peak of his abilities, though. Benzema won the Ballon d’Or for his superb performance in the 2021/22 season, which saw him winning the Champions League and La Liga double with Real Madrid.
Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid
Still only 19, Jude Bellingham has already established himself as one of the most sought-after players in the soccer world. Major clubs worldwide have been trying to get his signature for the last couple of years, and Real Madrid finally succeeded as they signed the youngster from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of €103 million ($110.4 million).
Bellingham is also a key figure of the English side, and his stocks as a versatile midfielder are only supposed to shoot up in the coming years. He will have his task cut out at Real Madrid, though. The club has high expectations from him as they expect him to replace the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos once they decide to hang their boots. But Bellingham will have a lot to learn as he will rub shoulders with the legends, which will eventually make the transition smoother.
Declan Rice – West Ham United to Arsenal?
This deal hasn’t been finalized yet, but everything happening right now indicates the likelihood of this happening is high. Rice’s stocks have shot up as a defensive midfielder over the years. He came into the limelight even more as he guided West Ham to the Europa Conference League title, the team’s first major trophy since 1980.
Rice is still just 24 years old and has many bright years ahead of him. He has established himself as one of the most promising holding midfielders in Europe, which sums up West Ham’s asking price of £100 million ($127.7 million) in the market. He has also improved his attacking potential of late, and we have seen him scoring some stunning goals this season. Arsenal look like the front runners to secure his signature in this transfer window, but they will have to compete hard with Manchester United and Manchester City.
N’Golo Kante – Chelsea to Al-Ittihad
The French midfielder has been hailed as one of the best players of this generation, and he made a sensational move in this transfer window as he joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea expired this month. He will now join his compatriot Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad.
According to various media reports, Kante has signed a deal worth £86 million ($109.8 million) yearly with the Saudi Pro League club. Kante has many laurels, which he earned during his illustrious eight-year stint in England. He has two Premier League titles, one of which he won with Leicester City and another with Chelsea. He also won the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. Although he struggled with injuries last season, he has regained his fitness, and he will surely make Al-Ittihad a force to reckon with.
Apart from these transfers, there have been other movements like Christopher Nkunku’s move from RB Leipzig to Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic’s move from Chelsea to Manchester City, and Sergio Busquet’s move from Barcelona to Inter Miami, which has made the headlines. This isn’t the end, though. There is still a long way to go before the summer transfer window deadline, and indeed, many more surprises are waiting to unfold.
FAQ
What is the summer transfer window?
The summer transfer window refers to the period during which clubs are permitted to trade and register players. It is generally between the end of one season and the beginning of another.
When does the summer transfer window close?
The Summer transfer window closes on September 1 for all major European clubs.
What are the important summer transfer window dates?
June 14 and September 1 are the important dates in this summer transfer window as they refer to the dates when the window opens and closes, respectively.
How many transfer windows are there in a football season?
There are two transfer windows in a football season. One is more extended, lasting around 12 weeks before the beginning of the season and another of about one month towards the middle of the season.