Five Big Soccer Transfers 2022
Five of the Biggest Soccer Moves of the Summer… So Far
Figure 1 There will be more big moves before the new seasons starts
The offseason in Europe is always a busy time. Clubs, players and agents all keep a close eye on their phones and emails as the transfer merry-go-round kicks into gear once the domestic seasons end in May.
This year has been no different and there have already been some huge signings made by some of the biggest clubs in world soccer. Betting websites will be updating their odds over the next few weeks as the clubs attempt to finish off their business before the new seasons begin. There will be more to come – but here are five of the most interesting signings so far.
Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City
Haaland has been top of the priority list for a number of the elite clubs for the past few seasons. But, with Borussia Dortmund unable to dislodge Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga, the Norwegian striker has elected to join Manchester City – one of his dad’s former clubs.
What he brings to the EPL is obvious. His presence, speed and power will frighten any opposing defense – and his goal stats will have made pleasant reading for Pep Guardiola. How the Spanish head coach fits him into his system at the Etihad is the interesting part though.
Sadio Mane, Liverpool to Bayern Munich
Not everyone thinks that the EPL is the only place to be. After six years at Liverpool, where he won just about everything – including international honors with Senegal – Mane has made a move to the German top-flight. He may also be replacing Robert Lewandowski if the Polish striker leaves Bayern as he wants.
Losing Lewandowski is obviously a huge blow for the Bavarian club. But what it gets in Mane could be even better. He is still only 30 and has decided to leave Liverpool, looking for a new challenge. Mane will be able to bring electrifying speed, incredible shooting precision and telepathic passing qualities to the Bundesliga.
Figure 2 All the big clubs will be recruiting ahead of the new campaign
Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea to Inter
He had said that it was a dream come true to return to Chelsea. But just one year after leaving the San Siro as a champion, Romelu Lukaku is returning to Inter on loan, keen to return to the form of that scudetto season. The Belgium striker didn’t fit into Thomas Tuchel’s plans at Stamford Bridge and will now hope to be welcomed back in Milan.
Some of the ultras may take some convincing but Lukaku will be pleased that his former strike partner Lautaro Martinez is still at the club after it looked as though he might leave this summer. Now he just has to fire the club back to the scudetto again – and take back the crown from Inter’s bitter rivals.
Franck Kessie, Milan to Barcelona
This is one of the more interesting transfers of the summer so far. Kessie was an important member of the Milan side that won the Serie A title for the first time in 12 years last season. But he had run out his contract at the San Siro – and now makes the move to the Camp Nou.
Xavi is looking to build a Barca team that can challenge Real Madrid in La Liga after a few seasons of decline. Kessie should be able to play an important in the middle of the field as he looks to follow up glory in Italy with further trophies in Spain.
Aurelian Tchouameni, Monaco to Real Madrid
Even Kylian Mbappe couldn’t persuade Aurelian Tchouameni to join him in Paris. Although PSG offered the most money of any of his potential suitors, the French defensive midfielder had his heart set on Madrid and will be part of a refurbishment of the Real starting eleven.
With both Casemiro and Modric getting on, Tchouameni – at 22 years old – will provide an exciting young dynamic to a team that looked very good last year and will now want to retain the La Liga and Champions League titles it won last season.
