There have been over 20 transfers for now worth more than $20 million during the 2024/25 summer transfer window in European soccer. It’s an interesting season with a lot of strategic and business planning behind the transfers. Some have excited the media and fans, and we already know behind the scenes that we had a bidding war for a few players.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most significant transfers, not by the size of the initial fee but based on the impact that the transfer may have on both teams. Some anonymous betting platforms have already started adjusting their odds based on these transfers, and we’ve considered the player’s past performance and the hype.
Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro was transferred from Lille to Man United for an astonishing $52 million plus add-ons. The deal speaks of the thing that Man United needs to beat Real Madrid, but at this point, it seems that the teenager won’t have that much of an impact.
Yoro suffered a foot injury before the season even started, and chances are he will sit out for at least three games. Experts claim that his best features are Yoro’s ability to read the game and follow tactical instructions. On the other hand, Yoro’s physical abilities need improvement, and he will probably bulk up in the years to come.
Moussa Diaby
Moussa Diaby has had a bad time in Aston Villa, as he only played in 25 Premier League games while being sidelined by Leon Bailey. His move to Al-Ittihad set the team back $50 million. The deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s overall plan to bring in foreign talent. The ministry of Sport has taken over Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr, and the players kept coming in ever since.
Al-Ittihad finished fifth place last season, and chances are that they are going for a better result this season.
Michael Olise
Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise was the star of a bidding war between Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Bayern won, and it cost them over $50 million. However, it is a five-year deal, which is a long time when it comes to most such contracts, and it means Bayern has big plans for Olise.
He made 90 appearances for Palace, scoring 16 times and registering 25 assists. Chances are that Olise won’t have as much time on the field for Bayern and will take some time to earn the spot.
Joao Palhinha
Bayern Munich has had a bad season last year – in that it hasn’t won the league – and these transfers are a part of its effort to rectify those mistakes. The midfielder made 79 appearances over two seasons in West London, scoring eight times. He also won the club’s Player of the Year award during his opening season at Craven Cottage.
Palhinha is also a part of Bayern Munich’s long-term plans since his contract will last for at least four years, including add-ons, which will set Bayern back almost $50 million. It’s not easy to say what immediate effect Palhinha will have on Bayern, but it’s safe to say that Fulham will have a much bigger budget to work with.
Douglas Luiz
Juventus signed Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported $53.5 million. Aston Villa has sold a lot of players lately due to the Premier League rules on fair play cost-cutting. Luiz will spend five years in the Italian team.
Luiz scored 22 goals in 204 appearances for Villa, and chances are that he will have as much chance to make an impact on Juventus as well.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zizkzee has left Bologna and will be joining Man United for $36 million. The deal was somewhat complicated and costly for Man United due to the release clause Zirzkee had in his contract. Zizrkee was an Under-23 Player of the Year last season and played a big role in Bologna UEFA qualifications.
Man United already has a strong group of attacking players, but they needed another forward to further double down on their strategy. Zirkzee already has an impressive career, as he played for Bayern’s under-21 team, but Man United will probably be the perfect place for him to enter the next professional stage.
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson was transferred from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest for $35 million. It’s a strangely large amount, given that Anderson is only 21 years old and only had 44 appearances in the Premier League (only 12 of those from the start of the game).
The player is signed for a five-year deal, meaning it will be a huge part of his career. It’s also important to note that Anderson had a back injury that got him off the field for a while, and it probably goes to show Forest has managed to see something that the general public didn’t.
How Will These Transfers Affect Team Odds
These high-profile transfers will significantly impact the odds for the teams involved. For instance, acquiring top talent like Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee could boost Manchester United’s chances of finishing in the top four or even contending for the title, with current odds to win the Premier League at 24/1. However, Yoro’s injury might delay his impact, potentially affecting their early season performance. New upcoming signings like Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui and their performance could change these odds in either direction.
Similarly, Bayern Munich’s additions of Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha might enhance their odds of reclaiming the league title and performing well in European competitions, with odds to win the Bundesliga at 2.50. Last year was a glitch to the matrix for many soccer experts, and it is expected for Bayern with these new acquisitions to take back the title.
Teams like Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, which have lost key players, might see a decrease in their chances of achieving top-tier finishes. Aston Villa’s odds to finish in the top four of the Premier League are 3/1, but losing Douglas Luiz could weaken their midfield stability. Crystal Palace’s odds to finish in the top six are 12/1, and the departure of Michael Olise might reduce their attacking options, making it harder to compete at the top level.
Betting odds on the best anonymous betting sites will still adjust, as the transfer market closes, and the season finally starts, reflecting the strengthened squads and the improvement or decline in performances.
If we look even more ahead in the future, the winter transfer window provides another opportunity for teams to strengthen their squads or address weaknesses. Significant signings during this period can shift the odds once again, either bolstering a team’s title hopes or helping them secure a top-four finish or European cups qualification.
Other factors that can influence the odds include managerial changes, tactical adjustments, and the performance of rival teams. A new manager with a fresh approach can rejuvenate a struggling team, while tactical innovations can give teams an edge over their competitors. The overall performance of rival teams also plays a part, as unexpected results and upsets can create a more dynamic and unpredictable league.
Overall, these elements combined with the summer transfers make for an exciting and ever-changing soccer season, where the odds are constantly in flux, reflecting the myriad of factors at play.
