The transfer deadline has passed across Europe’s top five leagues, with spending hitting a record €6.55 billion. Amid the marquee deals and media noise, a few notable moves slipped under the radar. Here are some of the standout transfers that didn’t get the attention they deserved.
Roberto Piccoli – Cagliari → Fiorentina (€25m)
After a mixed spell of loans, Piccoli scored 12 goals for Cagliari last season, earning a permanent deal before Fiorentina swooped. At 24, €25m is a steep fee for a striker with one big season, but his physical presence and aerial ability could make him a key outlet. Linking with Gudmundsson and Moise Kean gives Pioli another dimension up front.
Yusuf Akçiçek – Fenerbahçe → Al Hilal (€22m)
The 19-year-old centre-back leaves Turkey with a big reputation. Composed on the ball and physically assured, he joins a backline featuring Theo Hernández, Cancelo and Koulibaly. Expect him to develop in Saudi Arabia and eventually return to Europe as a reliable option for clubs in European competition.
Sindre Walle Egeli – Nordsjaelland → Ipswich Town (€20m)
Ipswich made history with the most expensive transfer in Championship history. The 19-year-old winger had 14 goal contributions in Denmark last season and already looks too sharp for the level.
Quick, direct and creative, Egeli could be decisive in Ipswich’s push to return to the Premier League.
Veljko Milosavljevic – Red Star Belgrade → Bournemouth (€15m)
Bournemouth beat the competition for Serbia’s next big centre-back talent. At 18, Milosavljevic became Red Star’s record sale. The Cherries have made a habit of bringing in young players to rejuvenate their squad, with both Ilia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen leaving the club for over €120m combined. Milosavljevic looks to be a signing of the same ilk.
Jackson Tchatchoua – Hellas Verona → Wolves (€12.5m)
Signed as Nelson Semedo’s replacement, the 23-year-old wing-back brings energy and delivery down the right flank. Wolves face a tough season, but Tchatchoua looks a smart addition in a key area.
Hamza Igamane – Rangers → Lille (€11.5m)
The Moroccan striker scored 16 goals in his debut Rangers season and wasted no time in Ligue 1, scoring twice on his debut against Lorient. Two-footed, sharp in the box and confident on the ball, he looks like another smart Lille investment.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Al-Ahli → Club América (€10.3m)
The ex-Newcastle favourite continues his tour, this time landing in Mexico. Already off the mark for América, he’ll be one of the league’s box-office players. His flair and unpredictability should make him a major star in CONCACAF.
Diego Carlos – Fenerbahçe → Como (loan)
At 32, the former Sevilla and Villa defender joins Cesc Fàbregas’s ambitious Como project. Injuries have slowed him, but his experience and physicality could be vital as Como chase European football.
