Saudi Arabia dominated the transfer headlines, yet several moves slipped under the radar. The convergence of the Saudi and Turkish market timelines, along with a flood of global deals, made this window one of the most active in memory. Billions moved hands, and the Saudi Pro League’s rapid rise threatens to push overall spending to new heights. This analysis draws on industry reporting from major outlets to offer perspective on those less publicized commitments. [citation: GOAL transfer briefing]
As the dust settles, the finish line becomes clear. The Saudi window closed at the end of last week, while Turkey’s window closes on September 15. From then until January, clubs must operate with the squads they currently hold. This pause provides a unique moment for teams to recalibrate, assess depth, and plan for a midseason push. [citation: league calendars]
History will remember a phase marked by nine-figure fees and bold career bets. Beyond Declan Rice, Moisés Caicedo, and Harry Kane, which signings slipped quietly onto the radar yet carry potential impact?
GOAL: a closer look at notable signings from the 2023 summer window that may have escaped broader attention…
Alan Varela — Boca Juniors to Porto
The young South American midfielder continued his ascent, moving from Boca Juniors to Porto for a rumored eight-figure sum near €11 million. His trajectory suggests bigger moments ahead on a larger stage. [citation: club announcements]
Alex Grimaldo — Benfica to Bayer Leverkusen
Among Benfica’s veteran leaders, the attacking left back who rose through Barcelona’s academy finally left Lisbon after seven years to join Xabi Alonso in the Bundesliga, signaling Leverkusen’s intent to refresh wide areas. [citation: transfer summaries]
Alex Telles — Manchester United to Al-Nassr
The Brazilian winger closed his Manchester United chapter this summer, crossing continents to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr for about £4 million ($5 million). The move underscores Saudi interest in experienced wingers. [citation: contract reports]
Allan Saint-Maximin — Newcastle to Al-Ahli
A fan favorite at St James’ Park, he shifted from the Premier League to the Middle East in a deal around £25 million (about £32 million), a high-profile transition that reflects the region’s appeal for exciting attacking talent. [citation: club press]
Andrés Iniesta — Vissel Kobe to Emirates Club
Even at 39, the Barcelona legend continued to prove his value, moving from Vissel Kobe in Japan to Emirates Club in Qatar after five years abroad, a transfer that balanced star appeal with leadership in a growing league. [citation: league coverage]
Ángel Di María — Juventus to Benfica
With several offers on the table, Di María chose to return to the club where his European journey flourished, opting for Benfica over a high-profile Saudi project. The move highlights a pattern of seasoned playmakers prioritizing development and fit over wealth alone. [citation: expert analysis]
Daichi Kamada — Eintracht Frankfurt to Lazio
The Eintracht standout finally joined Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio after weighing multiple options and contracts. Rumors connected Milan, Dortmund, Liverpool, United, and Tottenham during the summer. The Lazio signing adds creativity and drive to a midfield rebuild. [citation: club announcements]
Denis Zakaria — Chelsea to Monaco
A trial spell at Chelsea did not convert into a lasting stay. Returning to Juventus, Zakaria later moved to Monaco on a permanent basis, aiming to reestablish his form in Ligue 1. [citation: transfer updates]
Dimitri Payet — Marseille to Vasco da Gama
Payet surprised many by leaving Marseille for a Brazilian challenge instead of heading to another European club or the Saudi circuit, choosing a fresh cultural and competitive environment. [citation: player declarations]
Franck Kessié — Barcelona to Al-Ahli
With Barcelona focused on strengthening the midfield, Kessié found a new home at Al-Ahli for €12.5 million after a turbulent stint in Catalonia. The move signals a shift in the midfield market and a search for immediate impact. [citation: official statements]
Georginio Wijnaldum — PSG to Al-Ettifaq
Following Jordan Henderson, Wijnaldum joined Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq as he left Paris Saint-Germain to begin again in a league eager to bolster its technical midfield and leadership. [citation: club release]
Hirving Lozano — Napoli to PSV Eindhoven
The Mexico international, part of Napoli’s Scudetto-winning side, returned to PSV for a fraction of the fee Napoli paid years earlier, a smart move for PSV’s attacking options and squad balance. [citation: transfer notes]
Isco — free agent to Real Betis
After difficult seasons, Isco found a new home at Real Betis, reuniting with familiar city rivals and reigniting his form in a league where technical quality still matters. [citation: renewal press]
Jesper Lindstrøm — Frankfurt to Napoli
Part of Frankfurt’s Europa League triumph, the young talent moved to Napoli for around €29 million as the Serie A champions bolster their depth for a title bid. [citation: club communications]
Joaquín Correa — Inter to Marseille
With limited minutes at Inter, Correa was loaned to Marseille as the Italian side reshaped its attacking options under new leadership. [citation: loan agreements]
Mateo Retegui — Boca Juniors to Genoa
Argentina-born Italian international Retegui, who had debuted for Italy earlier in 2023, joined Genoa in Serie A as they aimed to push for a strong campaign. [citation: federation notes]
Matteo Guendouzi — Marseille to Lazio
The former Arsenal man swapped Ligue 1 for Lazio in an €18 million move after a season highlighted by a notable penalty miss in the Champions League qualifying stage. [citation: transfer roundups]
Nathan Tella — Southampton to Bayer Leverkusen
A productive loan year at Burnley helped earn Tella a move to Leverkusen for about £20 million, with Xabi Alonso guiding the late-window acquisition. [citation: club press]
Nemanja Matić — Roma to Rennes
A long-standing Mourinho connection finally ended as Matić joined Rennes after an unsettled spell in Rome, bringing veteran control to a Ligue 1 project hungry for depth. [citation: official release]
Niclas Füllkrug — Werder Bremen to Borussia Dortmund
The German international striker moved to Dortmund on deadline day, providing a steady goal threat as the team balanced youth with experience. [citation: transfer notes]
Otávio — Porto to Al-Nassr
The 28-year-old winger joined his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in a deal reported to be around €60 million, underscoring Saudi growth in midfield and wide-areas. [citation: club statements]
Yassine Bounou — Sevilla to Al-Hilal
Regarded among the world’s top goalkeepers, Bounou left Seville for Al-Hilal in a high-profile move valued at roughly €20 million, signaling Saudi ambitions in defense and leadership. [citation: sources]
Yannick Carrasco — Atlético Madrid to Al-Shabab
Carrasco joined Al-Shabab after stints in Europe and Asia, becoming one of the rare players to navigate both the European and Asian leagues in a single career. [citation: transfer coverage]
Youri Tielemans — Leicester City to Aston Villa
After flirtations with Arsenal and Liverpool, Tielemans chose Unai Emery’s project at Aston Villa when the Leicester contract expired, adding midfield dynamism to a Villa side seeking consistency. [citation: club press]
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