11 Under-the-Radar Football Transfers You Need to Know About

Kylian Mbappe’s unveiling at the Santiago Bernabéu dominated transfer headlines like new signings at grademiners.com. Yet beneath the marquee signing, a quite undercurrent of transfers has been reshaping European squads. 

With fans and media lazar-sharped on Euro 2024 and Spain lifting the cup, several intriguing deals have slipped unnoticed. These under-the-radar transfers might not have generated the same buzz as Mbappe’s but could prove just as pivotal when the new season starts. 

It’s only right we uncover some sealed transfer signings you might have missed. From promising youngsters to seasoned pros finding new homes, let’s dive into the chess game of the transfer window. 

Joshua Zirkzee – Manchester United

Arguably one of Thiago Motta’s most proficient attackers last season at Bologna, Zirkzee sealed his deal to Manchester United on a five-year deal with an option of a further year. 

The Netherlands international netted 12 goals and 7 assists to make Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season. He becomes Erik Ten Hag’s first summer signing, following suit with the likes of Leny Yoro.

Standing 6 feet 4 inches, he becomes a target man and offers needed pace and playmaking skills in attack while running the channels. 

Paulinha – Bayern Munich

After a botched summer transfer on deadline day last season, Bayern Munich managed to get the deal over the line this time by acquiring Fulham’s midfielder, Joao Palhinha. The 28-year-old Portuguese international joins the club amidst a squad under Coach Vincent Kompany.

Bayern Munich missed out on their 12th consecutive title run at the hands of Invisibles Bayer Leverkusen under former player Xabi Alonso. This saw the immediate termination of Thomas Tuchel at the club in favor of Kompany, with a ‘youth project’ underway.  

Michael Olise – Bayern Munich

Another marquee signing added to the Bavarian side is Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old France U-21 was subject to transfer rumors in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United emerging favorites. 

However, the attacking winger chose to fly overseas and join Bayern Munich as a statement of youth rejuvenation to the side. He joins a stacked attacking threat with Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Mathys Tel, Bryan Zaragoza, and Jamal Musiala. 

Donny van de Beek – Girona

It’s been a disappointing stint for the Dutch midfielder at Manchester United, who has failed to make a mark since he departed from Ajax. Several loan moves to Everton and Frankfurt didn’t seem to pay off, with new management deciding to close the door on the midfielder. 

The next move was to La Liga side Girona, where the 27-year-old signed a four-year deal for a reported measly fee. The Red Devils have a reported sell-on clause, which remains significantly less than they paid for the Dutchman in 2020. 

Khephren Thuram – Juventus

Despite rumors of financial troubles for the Old Lady, the side pulled off another big signing with Thuram from Ligue 1, Nice. He is one of the first signings under new manager Thiago Motta, alongside David Luiz.

The French international signed a five-year contract and joined his elder brother Marcus Thuram in Serie A. From a tactical standpoint, he brings an outstanding physical presence and impressive athleticism to the midfield and revamps the number-right role. 

Sergio Gomez – Real Sociedad

Manchester City’s left-back problem continues with another Pep signing failing to make his mark at full-back. Sergio Gomez joined the Citizens to replace departing Alexander Zinchenko. Unfortunately, he failed to find minutes and often played second fiddle to makeshift defenders Nathan Ake and Joško Gvardiol. 

Real Sociedad finally announced signing the 23-year-old Spanish to be left back on a six-year contract. After two seasons under Pep Guardiola, he will represent the Spanish national team at the Paris Olympics. 

Kieffer Moore – Sheffield United

After a dismal season that ended in relegation, the Blades are quick to return to their glory days with the signing of experienced Welsh striker Kieffer Moore. The 31-year-old signed from the Cherries on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, becoming the third signing under Chris Wilder. 

Nuno Tavares – Lazio

Arsenal is looking for a massive haul in their locker room as they attempt to find valuable assets during this transfer season. The first player on the chopping board is left-back Nuno Tavares, who joined Serie A side Lazio on a season-long loan. 

The deal involves an obligation to buy triggered if certain conditions are met. Moreover, there’s a sell-on clause for the Gunners. Tavares failed to impress during his time at the Emirates, forcing a loan move to Nottingham Forest that didn’t seem quite to pay off.

Ruell Walters – Luton Town

Another Arsenal academy player who left the club is right-back Ruell Walters, who joined Luton Town. The 19-year-old defender turned down a new contract from Arsenal and moved to sign a four-year deal with the new club.

The versatile defender capable of playing in wide or central areas has been capped from under-18 to under-20 for England. He was a regular for Arsenal’s academy fixtures but never made minutes in the Premier League. 

Sambi Lokonga – Sevilla 

Another Arsenal ‘failed project’ is Sambi Lokonga, who finds himself on a season-long loan to Sevilla after another loan to Luton Town last season. If Sevilla activates the buy option, Arsenal are set to earn a 25% sell-on clause on any future moves the young Belgian makes. 

Since joining from Anderlecht, the Belgian made 39 appearances in all competitions. He spent half a season at Crystal Palace under former Arsenal legend Patrick Viera. 

Willy Kambwala – Villarreal

The 19-year-old, who started in the AS Monaco youth academy, burst into Manchester United’s first-team plans after a string of injuries decimated almost the entire backline. He impressed with his youthful resilience, game reading, and defensive resolution during his ten appearances last season.

Man United had one more year to his contract but were confronted with a situation where they either let him leave or lose him on a free transfer next summer. As a result, they had to agree to sell Kambwala to Villarreal with a three-year buy-back option.