Summer Transfer Window: Top Moves and Club Strategies Revealed

After over two months of intense speculation and negotiations, the summer transfer window reached its conclusion on August 30th. In the final hours of the transfer market, several clubs managed to secure last-minute signings. What do you think was the best move of the summer? Take part in our poll!

From mid-June to the evening of August 30th, clubs in Ligue 1 have been quite proactive. This urgency was driven by the uncertain television rights for the league, with the promised €1 billion from Vincent Labrune, president of the Ligue de Football Professionnel, significantly reduced in the end with the broadcaster DAZN. Many clubs opted for loan deals with purchase options to delay payments.

PSG and OM bolster their squads

Even at Paris Saint-Germain, there were no extravagant spending sprees. In 2023, their investments had already crossed the €400 million mark. This summer, PSG made a total of €170 million in signings, bringing in players like Matvey Safonov, João Neves, Willian Pacho, and Désiré Doué. Meanwhile, Olympique de Marseille, under the guidance of new coach Roberto De Zerbi, was particularly active in the transfer market, securing eleven new players including Mason Greenwood, Elye Wahi, Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg, Geronimo Rulli, Jonathan Rowe, and Neal Maupay.

OL, Nice, and Lille make smart moves

Elsewhere, clubs have demonstrated their resourcefulness within their financial constraints. For instance, LOSC seized the opportunity to sign Thomas Meunier, who was a free agent after his contract with Trabzonspor ended. The club’s president, Olivier Létang, successfully brought him back to France, where he previously spent four seasons at PSG. Additionally, LOSC acquired Ethan Mbappé (17 years old), the younger brother of Kylian Mbappé, who was also available on a free transfer. OGC Nice welcomed experienced players like Jonathan Clauss and Tanguy Ndombele. In a surprising move, OL secured the loan of Wilfried Zaha in the final hours of the transfer window. Promising striker Georges Mikautadze, a standout from the Euro, chose OL over AS Monaco and OM. Sekou Mara also returned to France, signing with Strasbourg after two stints at Southampton. Meanwhile, Martin Satriano joined RC Lens as Jota departed from Saudi Arabia to Stade Rennais.