10. Joao Pedro moved from Brighton to Chelsea for 75 million USD. The striker, who scored 30 goals in 70 matches over the past two seasons for Brighton, is a truly quality player.

Immediately after signing, he scored three goals in three games, helping Chelsea win the Club World Cup. The 23-year-old star also showcased technical skills and finishing ability that Nicolas Jackson lacks. After Pedro's impressive debut, Chelsea can feel confident about their eight-year contract.

9. Mohammed Kudus transferred from West Ham to Tottenham for 75 million USD. Kudus has a good scoring record in both attacking midfield and wing forward positions.

The 24-year-old Ghanaian player scored 27 goals in 87 appearances for Ajax and 19 goals in 80 matches for West Ham. Having proven his ability in the Premier League, moving to a Champions League club like Tottenham is a necessary step forward for Kudus.

8. Jamie Gittens moved from Dortmund to Chelsea for 76 million USD. As a child, Gittens trained at Reading, Chelsea, and Man City before moving to Germany to join Dortmund in 2020.

Like Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old winger shone with Dortmund's first team, scoring 28 goals and providing 9 assists in 126 matches. The young English star's age and potential for development are enough for Chelsea to place their faith in him.

7. Viktor Gyokeres transferred from Sporting to Arsenal for 77 million USD plus 12 million USD in add-ons. Arsenal's faith in the striker, who scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting, is not surprising.

For the past three seasons, the striker position has been Arsenal's biggest weakness. They need a consistent goal scorer to win the Premier League and progress further in the Champions League. The high chance of winning trophies at Arsenal is also why Gyokeres turned down Man Utd, where his former coach Ruben Amorim is currently working.

6. Mateo Retegui moved from Atalanta to Al Qadsiah for 80 million USD. Retegui is the only player in the top 10 transfers to leave Europe. The Serie A top scorer went to Saudi Arabia to play for Al Qadsiah, the 4th-placed team in the Saudi Pro League last season.

Retegui's departure from top-flight football at only 26 years old raises many questions. However, a salary of 26 million USD per year, more than six times his earnings at Atalanta, and the increasing prestige of the Saudi Pro League are worth the sacrifice.

5. Martin Zubimendi transferred from Sociedad to Arsenal for 82 million USD. Zubimendi is a defensive midfielder similar to Sergio Busquets and Rodri. He consistently demonstrates composure, control, playmaking ability, tempo adjustment, attacking initiation, and accurate decision-making.

The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder also possesses dribbling skills and deep runs like top attacking midfielders. Real Madrid also wanted to buy Zubimendi to fill the void left by Toni Kroos last year, but were unsuccessful.

4. Matheus Cunha moved from Wolves to Man Utd for 87 million USD. Cunha is one of the top players in the Premier League. Last season, the 26-year-old scored 17 goals and provided six assists in 38 matches for Wolves.

Cunha's versatility in playing multiple positions, including striker, winger, and attacking midfielder, is also a plus. Coach Amorim hopes Cunha can solve the attacking puzzle, where he has been removing unsuitable players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho.

3. Bryan Mbeumo transferred from Brentford to Man Utd for 88 million USD. Similar to Cunha, Man Utd bought Mbeumo to refresh their attack. Last season, the Cameroonian left winger scored 20 goals and provided seven assists in 38 Premier League matches.

The 25-year-old's higher price tag compared to Joao Pedro, Mohammed Kudus, and Viktor Gyokeres is due to his consistent performance in England for many years and his willingness to play for Man Utd. After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, the "Red Devils" will be absent from European competitions next season.

2. Hugo Ekitike moved from Frankfurt to Liverpool for 112 million USD. The sudden passing of Diogo Jota and difficulties in acquiring Alexander Isak left Liverpool with limited options at striker. They had to secure Ekitike early to prepare for the new season.

Ekitike only scored four goals in 32 matches for PSG in the 2022-2023 season and four goals in 16 matches for Frankfurt in the 2023-2024 season before exploding with 22 goals and 12 assists last season. The 23-year-old striker needs to continue proving himself to avoid being labeled a one-season wonder.

1. Florian Wirtz transferred from Leverkusen to Liverpool for 147 million USD. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has shone for many years at Leverkusen.

In 225 matches, he contributed 67 goals and 69 assists, including 20 goals and 18 assists last season. In 2024, Wirtz helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga, German Cup, German Super Cup, and reach the Europa League final. He is also a key player for the German national team, scoring 7 goals in 31 matches.

Ngoc Tuan

Photo: Club, AFP, Reuters.