da prosport bet： With the campaign almost over, GOAL picks out the best bits of business done by the continent's top clubs last summer…
da betsson： One can never be quite sure how transfers will turn out. Even the most talented players can struggle at top clubs because there are just so many variables, so many things that can go wrong: a personality clash with the coach, fitness problems, language barriers, cultural differences etc.
However, some deals go better than anyone could have expected. This season, for example, we've seen expensive signings make light of the pressure that comes with a big transfer fee, while other, previously unknown players have proven themselves bargain buys.
But, looking at all the deals done last summer, who's proven the best value for money? Below, GOAL ranks the 21 signings of the season and, as ever, feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment box provided…
Getty21Sergino Dest – PSV (loan)
Until a serious knee injury ruled him out for the remainder of 2024, PSV were desperately trying to turn Sergino Dest's loan spell at the Philips Stadion into a permanent transfer – and it's easy to understand why.
After failing to make the grade at Barcelona before struggling seriously at AC Milan, the Ajax academy product has regained his swagger since returning to the Netherlands. Before the United States defender's season was cut short in April, he'd contributed seven assists from left-back to PSV's runaway title win.
Advertisement(C)Getty Images20Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig (loan)
A second successful loan spell for Xavi Simons, who illuminated the Eredivisie during his time at PSV in 2022-23 before only further enhancing his burgeoning reputation during a fine campaign with RB Leipzig that yielded 10 goals and 13 assists.
Where the versatile forward spends next season remains to be seen, as Paris Saint-Germain reportedly want Simons to spend another year out on loan. What's clear, though, is that Simons is capable of living up to the hype that's surrounded him since his days at La Masia.
Getty 19Jerdy Schouten – PSV (£10.3m)
After making his Netherlands debut against Wales during the June international break of 2022, Jerdy Schouten didn't receive another call-up for almost 18 months. Now, he's almost certain to be a part of Ronald Koeman's squad for Euro 2024 as he's been outstanding since joining PSV from Bologna last summer.
Indeed, because of his fantastic work-rate, the defensive midfielder is expected to start in the Netherlands engine room alongside Frenkie de Jong.
Getty18Lois Openda – RB Leipzig (£36.8m)
Leipzig are renowned for making big money on players acquired for small sums, but they were willing to smash their transfer record to take Lois Openda from Lens. Now we know why.
After a stellar season containing 28 goals in all competitions, including a brace against the mighty Manchester City, the 24-year-old Belgium international is being tipped to join one of Europe's elite sooner rather than later, meaning that historic fee is already looking like a bargain.