The 2024-25 European football season delivered unforgettable drama, stunning goals, and tactical masterclasses — but perhaps nothing influenced the campaign more than some truly remarkable signings. From savvy free agents to high-profile transfers, these 20 players made a seismic impact at their new clubs. Here’s a breakdown of the best additions, starting from number 20 to number 1.
20. Antony – Real Betis (Loan)
Antony’s loan move to Real Betis proved to be a turning point in his career. After two difficult years at Manchester United, he reignited his spark in Spain with 9 goals and 5 assists, becoming a fan favorite once again.
19. Moise Kean – Fiorentina (£11m)
Few expected anything from Kean after a goalless season at Juventus, but he silenced critics with 19 goals in Serie A. Fiorentina found a potent striker, and Kean found the form that could make him a World Cup star for Italy.
18. Xherdan Shaqiri – Basel (Free)
Returning to Basel revitalized Shaqiri’s career, where he led the club to their first Swiss Super League title in years. With 39 goal contributions, the veteran reminded Europe of his enduring class and creativity.
17. Nico Paz – Como (£5m)
Real Madrid may regret letting Nico Paz leave, as the young playmaker thrived at Como. He was instrumental in their mid-table finish, impressing with 14 goal involvements and earning praise for his composure and vision.
16. Mika Biereth – Monaco (£13m)
After impressing in Austria, Biereth moved to Monaco and took Ligue 1 by storm with 13 goals in half a season. The Danish striker justified his £13m price tag and gave Monaco the firepower to secure Champions League qualification.
15. Ayoze Pérez – Villarreal (£3m)
Ayoze Pérez hit new heights at Villarreal, scoring 19 goals in La Liga. At 31, he has never been better, becoming a crucial piece in Villarreal’s resurgence as a top Spanish side.
14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain (£59m)
Kvaratskhelia adapted quickly after his move from Napoli to PSG, dazzling fans with flair and unpredictability. Though not the top scorer, his influence in the final third elevated Luis Enrique’s frontline.
13. Julián Álvarez – Atlético Madrid (£82m)
Álvarez stepped out of Haaland’s shadow at Man City to become Atlético Madrid’s main man. With 29 goals, he was unstoppable domestically and in Europe, showing why he’s among the world’s elite forwards.
12. David de Gea – Fiorentina (Free)
Written off after his Manchester United exit, De Gea found new life at Fiorentina. His 11 clean sheets and crucial penalty saves made him a key part of the team’s strong Serie A campaign.
11. Willian Pacho – Paris Saint-Germain (£38m)
Pacho has been the foundation of PSG’s exceptional defence, forming a top-tier partnership with Marquinhos. Strong, intelligent, and calm under pressure, he’s been one of Ligue 1’s standout defenders.
10. Mateo Retegui – Atalanta (£24m)
Compared to Batistuta in the past, Retegui finally lived up to the hype with 29 goals for Atalanta. His physicality and technique brought Atalanta within touching distance of the Scudetto.
9. Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund (£15m)
Guirassy proved his 28-goal season at Stuttgart was no fluke by excelling at Dortmund. He netted 21 Bundesliga goals and added 13 more in the Champions League, becoming a European powerhouse.
8. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (Loan)
Osimhen was seen as too good for the Super Lig, and he proved it with 36 goals for Galatasaray. His dominance led them to a double and reignited his standing among Europe’s elite strikers.
7. Romelu Lukaku – Napoli (£25m)
Lukaku’s £25m move from Chelsea looked risky but became a masterstroke. He filled Osimhen’s void with goals and assists, helping Napoli reclaim the Serie A crown under Antonio Conte.
6. Mason Greenwood – Marseille (£27m)
Greenwood’s 21 goals lifted Marseille to a second-place finish, surpassing legends like Drogba in the process. Despite some discipline issues, his attacking output has made him their key man for the Champions League.
5. Désiré Doué – Paris Saint-Germain (£42m)
At just 19, Doué became a versatile weapon for PSG with 28 goal contributions. His ability to thrive under pressure and play multiple roles has made him a breakout star in European football.
4. Scott McTominay – Napoli (£26m)
McTominay was transformed at Napoli, thriving in a more attacking role. He became Serie A’s best midfielder, delivering crucial goals and becoming a symbol of Conte’s title-winning side.
3. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich (£50m)
Olise lit up the Bundesliga with flair and efficiency, notching 18 assists and dazzling displays. The Rookie of the Year became the perfect partner to Harry Kane, pushing Bayern to glory.
2. João Neves – Paris Saint-Germain (£59m)
Neves was everywhere for PSG – defending, passing, scoring, pressing. At just 20, he has become the heartbeat of Luis Enrique’s side and a true game-changer in Europe’s biggest matches.
1. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid (Free)
Despite Real Madrid’s struggles, Mbappé soared with 42 goals, including iconic hat-tricks against rivals. His Golden Shoe-winning season showed he is already living up to his Galáctico billing — and he cost them nothing.
