The summer transfer window for 2021 is officially open, and several clubs have already made moves to bolster their squads ahead of the upcoming season. A number of quality players have been signed by some of Europe’s biggest teams, and here we look at the five costliest deals so far.
1) Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig to Bayern Munich) – €42.5m
Dayot Upamecano, widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world, was coveted by a number of top teams. However, Bayern Munich beat them to his signature by signing him 42.5 million euros. During his five years at RB Leipzig, the 22-year-old established himself as the greatest defender in the team, and he will try to maintain that form at his new club.
2) Ibrahima Konate (RB Leipzig to Liverpool) – €40m
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The young French centre back, who played for RB Leipzig in 2020-21, was a target for a number of clubs. Liverpool eventually paid his release clause to get him in their ranks. The 22-year-old has been likened to Virgil van Dijk, and if he can even come close to matching the Dutchman’s achievements, he will be a huge success at Anfield.
3) Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City to Aston Villa) – €38.4m
Emi Buendia just became Aston Villa’s record transfer after the club paid Norwich City €38.4 million for his talents. The Argentinian is expected to join them after his international duty is completed. The 24-year-old winger has already played in the Premier League, and while his figures were not particularly impressive in the 2019/20 season, he excelled with the chances he created for his teammates.
4) Patson Daka (RB Salzburg to Leicester City) – €30m
Patson Daka was signed by Leicester City for €30 million in the summer after being named the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Season. He scored 27 goals in 28 appearances for RB Salzburg last season. The 22-year-old was a prolific scorer for Salzburg, and given his age and talent, he may be the focal point of Leicester’s attack for many years.
5) Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea to AC Milan) – €29.2m
Fikayo Tomori came through Chelsea’s development system, and despite displaying promise, was sent on a number of loan spells. The most recent of those was with AC Milan. The 23-year-old, who joined AC Milan on loan in January 2021, made such an impression that the club opted to buy him permanently.
