The football world revolved around the World Cup from June 11 to July 19. Here are top deals in club football that may have escaped your attention.
1. Anthony Gordon – Newcastle United to Barcelona
Barcelona dropped their interest in Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal worth around £69m (€80m). The England international gives Hansi Flick pace and pressing ability up front and will be joining after enjoying a run to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup as one of Thomas Tuchel’s more trusted men.
2. Marc Cucurella – Chelsea to Real Madrid
Real Madrid reinforced their defence by bringing Marc Cucurella back to Spain from Chelsea for €60m (£51m). After helping Spain lift the World Cup, the left-back now heads to the Bernabeu to add experience and versatility to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
3. Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool to Real Madrid
Real Madrid also strengthened at centre-back with the signing of Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on a free transfer. The France international’s arrival goes a long way towards addressing a problem position for Madrid with Mourinho targeting to wrestle the La Liga title from Barcelona next season.
4. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona to Chicago Fire
After four successful years at Barcelona, Lewandowski left the Spanish club at the end of his contract, and at the age of 37, there was really only one kind of move left for him. He joined Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, where he will help them push for a first MLS Cup title since 1998.
5. Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United to Tottenham
Tottenham made a major statement by landing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, and for an incredible £100m. The Italy midfielder arrives as the focal point of Spurs’ rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi after finishing 17th two seasons in a row and almost getting relegated last term.
6. Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa to Manchester United
Manchester United made a major step in their midfield rebuild by snatching Tielemans from Unai Emery and Aston Villa, after triggering a £35m release clause in his contract. The Belgian joins Chelsea’s Andrey Santos as one of United’s two signings to play in the middle of the park under Michael Carrick next season.
7. Jan Paul van Hecke – Brighton to Tottenham
Tonali was not Tottenham’s only significant acquisition. The club also signed Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m. Spurs also completed another defensive addition by signing Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.
8. Andrew Robertson – Liverpool to Tottenham
One of the more surprising moves of the summer saw Andrew Robertson swap Liverpool for Tottenham. The Scotland captain brings leadership, experience and attacking quality from left-back as Spurs continue an ambitious recruitment drive.
9. Casemiro – Manchester United to Inter Miami
Casemiro left United after his contract expired at the end of last season and will now join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. A serial winner at Madrid and deeply loved at United, Casemiro said Inter were the “only MLS team I wanted” and he was eager to “play with the best player of all time”.
10. Mateus Fernandes – Southampton to Tottenham
Tottenham also secured the signing of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in a deal worth £85m. The player was targeted by Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid, who all balked at the asking price.
