July 23 – Centre half Leny Yoro (pictured) has joined Manchester United on a £62 million five-year deal, the most expensive deal done this week in the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old seemed destined to sign for Real Madrid before Ineos-backed United swooped in, showing a real change in intent from the club as they continue to build aggressively.
It was clear that the Red Devils required defensive reinforcement after a shaky performance last term, and signing France’s Yoro – perhaps the most promising young defender in world football – is a real statement from the club. The only downside is that €62 million is a huge price tag for such a young player, who still has plenty to prove at the top level.
Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana completed his transfer to Aston Villa on Monday for a fee of €59 million. Contracted until 2029 at his new club, the player marks Villa’s most expensive signing in history – a testament to the club’s newfound ambition in the transfer market thanks to their place in the UEFA Champions League next season.
The player had spent the majority of the window linked with long-term admirers Arsenal, but Villa swooped in to acquire the player following Douglas Luiz’s departure to Juventus at the start of the month. Impressing since his 2022 transfer to Everton, Onana will be a valuable addition to Villa’s midfield upgrade ahead of one of the most important seasons fir the club in recent memory.
Brazil starlet Endrick made his prophesied move to Real Madrid official this week. The youngster was originally signed over a year ago but was unable to officially join the club before turning 18 – a milestone reached on Sunday. Los Blancos took a gamble on the youngster by placing a €47.5 million bid when the player was just 16 – a move that has since paid off, on paper at least, with the player valued at €60 million already.
Contracted until 2030, Endrick joins at a difficult time for attacking talent at Real Madrid, who seem to be burdened with too many elite players up the field. The highly rated youngster joins compatriots Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, alongside superstar talent Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe in contention for a place in Real Madrid’s attack.
Problematic Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood transferred to Marseille on Monday for a fee of €26 million. The player impressed during a loan spell at Getafe last term, but clearly didn’t have a future at Old Trafford after falling deeply out of favour with the British public for issues outside of football. Now contracted until 2029 at his new club, he will have the chance to fashion a fresh start in France.
Rounding out the biggest transfers of the week is 20-year-old Savinho’s move to Manchester City. Signed for a bargain fee of €25 million – half of his Transfermarkt valuation – the Brazilian joins Guardiola’s project off the back of a sensational season for La Liga underdogs Girona, on loan from French side Troyes. All three of the clubs fall under the City Group’s ownership, hence why Manchester City were able to land such a low fee for one of La Liga’s standout players from last season.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732330003labto1732330003ofdlr1732330003owedi1732330003sni@g1732330003niwe.1732330003yrrah1732330003