Over the previous 10 years, there have been several transfers that broke records in the world of football. It’s possible that none of those turned out to be successful.
However, there are several players whose entry altered the standing of a few clubs. When Lionel Messi decided to join Major League Soccer (MLS), there was a significant uproar in the transfer market.
However, this summer saw the relocation of a number of well-known figures, including Neymar and Karim Benzema, to Saudi Arabia. Let’s look at the ten most significant signings from the previous ten years.
Neymar (2013, Santos to Barcelona)
After beginning his career in Brazil, Neymar transferred from Santos to Barcelona in 2013. Barcelona won eight trophies in total during his four seasons at Camp Nou, including two La Liga championships, two Copa del Reys, one Spanish Super Cup, and a Champions League. Neymar played for Barcelona for 186 games in all competitions, hitting 105 goals and setting up 76 others.
Gareth Bale (Real Madrid to Tottenham, 2013)
When Gareth Bale transferred to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, many predicted he would become one of the most productive players in Europe. In 2020, he spent the remainder of the season on loan with Tottenham before rejoining the Spanish team the following year. Gale played in 258 games in all competitions for Real Madrid over his two stints there, contributing 106 goals. He participated in up to five Champions League victories for Real Madrid.
Luis Suarez (2014, Barcelona to Liverpool)
In 2014, Luis Suarez moved to Spain after playing three seasons with Liverpool. The international from Uruguay quickly established himself at Barcelona as a mainstay, forming a deadly trifecta with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Suarez scored 195 goals in 183 games with Barcelona in all competitions. He assisted the Catalan powerhouses in winning four La Liga championships, one Champions League, four Copa del Reys, and two Spanish Super Cups.
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid to Bayern Munich, 2014)
Toni Kroos has continued to play a key role in the Real Madrid midfield even after relocating to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014. Three La Liga championships and four European Championships were won by the Spanish team when he was in charge. In his 421 appearances for Real Madrid, Kroos has amassed 90 assists in addition to 27 goals scored.
(Southampton to Liverpool, 2016) Sadio Mane
From Southampton, Sadio Mane joined Liverpool in 2016. The Reds won the Champions League only three years after his signing. Mane was a very important part of the 2020 Liverpool team that won the Premier League title. In addition, he won the 2022 FA Cup while playing for the English club before switching to Al Nassr this summer.
John Stones (Manchester City to Everton, 2016)
The English center-back moved from Everton to Manchester City in 2016. Stones have since won the Premier League championship five times and, most recently, a historic treble.
Mohamed Salah (2017 move from Rome to Liverpool)
In the summer of 2017, Mohamed Salah left Roma to join Liverpool. The English club’s successful run in the 2019 Champions League was greatly aided by the Egyptian. Salah has currently played in 309 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions while also scoring 188 goals.
Thibaut Courtois, formerly of Chelsea, transferred to Real Madrid in 2018.
Thibaut Courtois, who transferred from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2018, has already made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the team’s history. The Belgian goalie has already won one Champions League trophy and two La Liga championships with Real Madrid. He also emerged as the league’s top goalie in 2021–2022.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund, 2022)
Erling Haaland’s acquisition by Manchester City last season proved to be quite successful as the Norwegian striker assisted them in winning an unprecedented triple. With 36 goals in 35 games during his first season, Haaland also surpassed the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami to Barcelona, 2023)
This summer, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami to end his time playing in Europe. The Herons have developed into an overwhelming force in American football as a result of Messi’s brilliance on the pitch. Messi assisted the Florida-based club in capturing their first Leagues Cup championship just a few weeks after his signing. The Argentine superstar has so far scored 11 goals while playing for Miami.
