As the 2024/2025 football season unfolds, power dynamics across European clubs are shifting, with major signings reshaping the landscape.
Whether you’re following these transfers to make informed betting decisions or simply to enjoy the drama of the transfer window, here are the top five off-season moves, courtesy of insights from 1xBet, the leading bookmaker.
5. Julián Álvarez (€75m, Manchester City to Atlético Madrid)
Having won numerous trophies with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, Julián Álvarez made a significant move to Atlético Madrid for €75 million. Despite being a crucial squad player, Álvarez wasn’t a consistent starter in City’s star-studded attack.
Now, with Diego Simeone losing Álvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann playing a more creative role, the Argentine has the opportunity to shine as Atlético’s primary forward. Although he’s yet to make a notable impact in La Liga’s first four rounds, Álvarez’s busy summer—featuring in both the Copa América and the Olympics—means he may need some time to settle into Simeone’s distinctive playing style.
4. João Neves (€59.92m, Benfica to Paris Saint-Germain)
Paris Saint-Germain, moving away from its previous strategy of banking on superstar signings, is focused on building a long-term project.
The acquisition of 19-year-old João Neves from Benfica signals a shift in this direction. While Neves won’t replace Kylian Mbappé’s goal-scoring feats, his role as a creative playmaker is crucial. With 4 assists in his first three Ligue 1 matches, the Portuguese midfielder has quickly proven his worth as PSG’s new orchestrator in the middle of the park.
3. Michael Olise (€53m, Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s disappointing 2023/24 season called for a squad overhaul, with a key focus on finding a winger who could replicate the level of Arjen Robben. After investing €53 million in Michael Olise, Bayern hopes the 22-year-old Frenchman will fill that role.
While Olise has yet to make a substantial impact in his first few matches, his 12 goals and 17 assists over the past two Premier League seasons suggest that he has the talent to thrive in the Bundesliga.
2. Dani Olmo (€55m, RB Leipzig to Barcelona)
Barcelona was keen to reinforce its attack with a left winger but couldn’t reach a deal for Nico Williams. Instead, they secured Dani Olmo, a versatile midfielder comfortable on the left and center. The 26-year-old Spaniard has already built chemistry with many of Barcelona’s players, thanks to his time with the national team, which won both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. His early performances have been promising, with Olmo scoring in each of his first two matches for the Blaugranas.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Free Agent, PSG to Real Madrid)
In what was arguably the most sensational move of the summer, Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid as a free agent after his contract with PSG expired.
Despite being Europe’s most media-covered footballer, Madrid managed to land Mbappé on a deal that will see him earn less than his PSG salary. However, with great expectations comes great responsibility.
Mbappé is tasked with fitting into the star-studded Real Madrid attack, working alongside the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, as Los Blancos aim to defend their La Liga and Champions League titles.
The transfer window is not only a time for clubs to strengthen their squads but also for savvy bettors to make informed decisions.
As the new season progresses, the shifting dynamics brought about by these top transfers provide fresh opportunities to place strategic bets. With 1xBet offering some of the best odds in the business, now is the time to dive in responsibly and place your bets on the 2024/25 season’s biggest matches.
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