Corriere dello Sport reveals the top 10 football transfers you must know this season

As a longtime football analyst and sports journalist, I’ve always found the summer transfer window to be one of the most exciting periods in the sport. It’s that time of year when clubs make bold moves, dreams are traded like playing cards, and the fate of entire seasons can be shaped before a single ball is kicked. Just the other day, I was reading Corriere dello Sport’s latest piece detailing the top ten football transfers you absolutely must know this season, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how these high-profile moves ripple across the football landscape. Some of these signings feel like genuine game-changers, while others carry a certain degree of risk—but isn’t that what makes it all so compelling? I remember thinking, as I scanned through the list, how these transfers don’t just affect the teams involved; they shift power balances, ignite fan debates, and sometimes even redefine what’s possible in modern football. Let’s dive into a few that stood out to me personally, and why I believe they’ll leave a lasting mark.

First on my radar—and arguably the most talked-about transfer of the window—is Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid. At just 20 years old, Bellingham has sealed a deal worth a reported €103 million, plus add-ons that could push it toward €130 million. I’ve followed his career since his early days at Birmingham City, and his maturity on and off the pitch is simply remarkable. Watching him dominate midfield battles in the Bundesliga, I always felt he was destined for a club of Real Madrid’s stature. What strikes me most is how seamlessly he’s adapted; in his first few appearances, he’s already notched 4 goals and 2 assists. That kind of immediate impact is rare, especially for someone his age. From my perspective, this isn’t just a transfer—it’s a statement. Real Madrid are building for the next decade, and Bellingham is the cornerstone. I’d even go so far as to say he could become the face of their midfield for years to come, much like Luka Modrić has been. On a slightly different note, it’s fascinating to see how major transfers like this resonate beyond football. Take tennis, for instance—where young stars are also making waves. Just the other day, I read that Eala and Gauff now move to the next round awaiting their next opponent. It’s a reminder that in sports, whether it’s football or tennis, rising talents are constantly pushing boundaries and capturing global attention. Bellingham, much like those young tennis phenoms, represents that thrilling blend of youth and excellence.

Another transfer that genuinely excites me is Harry Kane’s switch to Bayern Munich. After years of speculation, Kane finally left Tottenham for a fee rumored to be around €100 million plus bonuses. As someone who’s covered the Premier League for over a decade, I’ve always admired Kane’s consistency—he’s bagged 30 or more goals in five of the last six seasons. But what really stands out is how this move shifts dynamics in the Bundesliga. Bayern have been dominant, but adding a striker of Kane’s caliber not only strengthens them but also raises the stakes for rivals like Borussia Dortmund. I’ll admit, I had mixed feelings seeing him leave England. On one hand, it’s a loss for the Premier League; on the other, it’s a fantastic opportunity for Kane to chase silverware, which he so richly deserves. In his first month, he’s already netted 6 goals in all competitions. That’s the kind of immediate payoff every club dreams of, and it’s why I rate this as one of the smartest transfers of the season. Of course, not every big move pans out—remember when certain clubs splashed cash on flops?—but Kane’s professionalism and goal-scoring instincts make this feel like a safe bet.

Then there’s the somewhat surprising transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal. The Gunners paid a club-record £105 million to secure his services, and as an observer of the English game, I think this could be the piece that elevates Mikel Arteta’s project to the next level. Rice brings a blend of defensive solidity and progressive passing that Arsenal have sometimes lacked in midfield. I’ve watched him closely at West Ham, where he made over 240 appearances, and his leadership in their UEFA Europa Conference League triumph last season was nothing short of inspirational. What I love about this transfer is the narrative around it: a homegrown talent joining a historic club aiming to reclaim the Premier League title. In Arsenal’s opening matches, Rice has already averaged 3.5 tackles per game and completed 92% of his passes. Those numbers might sound dry, but they translate to control—and control wins titles. Personally, I’ve always believed that midfielders like Rice are the unsung heroes, the ones who do the dirty work that allows flashier players to shine. This signing reminds me of when Patrick Vieira joined Arsenal; it has that same transformative potential.

Shifting focus to Serie A, the transfer of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Napoli last season continues to pay dividends, but this summer’s acquisition of Victor Osimhen’s new contract—effectively fending off interest from clubs like Chelsea—is equally significant. Osimhen’s release clause is set at around €130 million, a testament to his value after scoring 31 goals last term. Having covered Italian football for years, I see Napoli’s strategy as a masterclass in retaining talent. It’s not always about who you buy; sometimes, it’s about who you keep. Osimhen’s pace and finishing are sublime, and I’d argue he’s the most complete striker in Italy right now. On a broader note, these high-stakes transfers highlight how football’s economy operates. Clubs are spending big because the rewards—Champions League glory, commercial revenue—are even bigger. It’s a risky business, though. For every Osimhen, there’s a player who fails to adapt. But that’s what keeps us analysts on our toes.

Wrapping up, the transfers highlighted by Corriere dello Sport aren’t just roster changes; they’re narratives in motion. From Bellingham’s ascent to Kane’s quest for trophies and Rice’s midfield mastery, each move tells a story of ambition, strategy, and sometimes, sheer gamble. As a fan and a critic, I find myself drawn to these human elements—the hopes, the pressures, the moments of brilliance. And while football will always have its uncertainties, one thing’s for sure: this season will be shaped by these ten transfers in ways we can’t fully predict. So, as we watch the drama unfold on the pitch, let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes moves that make it all possible. After all, in football as in life, it’s often the changes we least expect that leave the deepest marks.