This summer the transfer market buzzed with excitement as Lionel Messi decided to come to Major League Soccer (MLS). In contrast, several high-profile players, including Neymar and Karim Benzema, have also decided to move to Saudi Arabia.
The 10 most memorable signings of the last decade:
The past decade has seen the emergence of ten of the most influential signings in world football—a period full of record-breaking transfers, not all of which came to fruition. However, among these acquisitions, those players stand out whose arrivals hastened a seismic change in the fortunes of their clubs.
1. Lionel Messi
Transfer: Barcelona to Inter Miami, 2023
PC: Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi ended a successful European career by moving to Inter Miami this summer. Messi’s prowess on the field quickly turned the Herons into a powerhouse in American soccer. Messi was instrumental in Inter Miami’s first League Cup victory just weeks after his arrival. Messi has scored a remarkable tally in 11 appearances for the Florida-based club, confirming his impact on the team.
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2. Neymar
Transfer: Santos to Barcelona, 2013
PC: Barcelona
After an initial stint in Brazil, Neymar graced Barcelona with his presence in 2013, catalyzing the club to secure an impressive eight trophies during his four-season tenure. Among these accolades were two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, the Spanish Super Cup and the coveted Champions League triumph. Donning the colors of Barcelona, Neymar showed his power by amassing 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 appearances in various competitions.
3. Gareth Bale
Transfer: Tottenham to Real Madrid, 2013
PC: Real Madrid
Lionel Messi ended a successful European career by moving to Inter Miami this summer. Messi’s prowess on the field quickly turned the Herons into a powerhouse in American soccer. Messi was instrumental in Inter Miami’s first League Cup victory just weeks after his arrival. Messi has scored a remarkable tally in 11 appearances for the Florida-based club, confirming his impact on the team.
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4. Luis Suarez
Transfer: Liverpool to Barcelona, 2014
PC: Barcelona
Luis Suarez made his debut in Spanish football in 2014, leaving Liverpool after three outstanding seasons. By quickly integrating into Barcelona’s ranks, Suarez formed an unstoppable trio alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar. Amassing 183 appearances in various competitions, Suarez left an indelible mark with 195 goals. He played a key role in Barcelona’s triumphs, including four La Liga titles, one Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, four Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups.
5. Toni Kroos
Transfer: Bayern Munich to Real Madrid, 2014
PC: Real Madrid
Since his transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014, Toni Kroos has maintained his vital role in Real Madrid’s midfield. During his tenure, the Spanish team won four European titles and three La Liga titles. With 90 assists and 27 goals in 421 appearances for Real Madrid, Kroos exemplifies consistent excellence.
6. Sadio Mane
Transfer: Southampton to Liverpool, 2016
PC: Liverpool
Sadio Mane’s arrival at Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 quickly bore fruit, culminating in a Champions League triumph just three years later. Mane played a key role in Liverpool winning the Premier League in 2020 and also won the FA Cup in 2022 before embarking on a new journey with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr this summer.
7. John Stones
Transfer: Everton to Manchester City, 2016
PC: Man City
In 2016, England centre-back John Stones moved from Everton to Manchester City, resulting in an impressive collection of five Premier League titles and a historic treble last season.
8. Mohamed Salah
Transfer: Roma to Liverpool, 2017
PC: Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s departure from Roma in the summer of 2017 heralded his arrival at Liverpool. The Egyptian maestro played a key role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph, amassing 309 appearances and 188 goals in various competitions during his tenure at Anfield.
9. Thibaut Courtois
Transfer: Chelsea to Real Madrid, 2018
PC: Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois’ move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2018 cemented his status as one of the club’s best goalkeepers in history. His tenure witnessed two La Liga titles and the coveted Champions League trophy. Courtois also won the title of best goalkeeper in the 2021/22 La Liga season.
10. Erling Haaland
Transfer: Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, 2022
PC: Getty Images
The acquisition of Erling Haaland proved pivotal for Manchester City, culminating in a historic treble in his debut season. His remarkable feat included breaking the record for most goals in a single Premier League season, with an incredible 36 goals in 35 appearances.
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Categories: Trends
Source: vcmp.edu.vn