Summer Transfers, Part Three: Shopaholic Man City, New Number Two for Baník, Real Secures Generational Talent
The summer transfer window officially opens on July 1st, but in spirit, it kicked off with the final whistle of last season's last match. And the transfers and rumors reflect just that. How else to explain that it's only mid-June, and we already have a €200 million transfer, a pending Czech league transfer record, and Florian Wirtz completing his regular eight-year cycle of game-changing transfers in the coming days?
Citizens Spend €150 Million
No, this isn't a joke. After an unsuccessful season, Manchester City isn't wasting time and aims for a swift return to the top. To help achieve this, they've signed Rayan Cherki and Aït-Nouri. The young French utility player Cherki arrived for €40 million and should significantly boost chance creation. Aït-Nouri joined from Wolves and is expected to take the left-back spot, potentially freeing up Joško Gvardiol to return to center-back.
The biggest reinforcement, however, will be Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who arrives from AC Milan for €75 million. Reijnders had a breakthrough season with the Rossoneri, emerging as one of their attacking leaders and continuing his meteoric rise. And the idea of a midfield trio Rodri-Reijnders-Cherki? We'll take it.
Mastantuono to Real
The heir to Lionel Messi, giving Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni pleasant headaches. 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono is moving from River Plate to Real Madrid for €45 million. Real beat Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and PSG to secure his signature. And the thought of having Claudio Echeverri and Mastantuono in attack? Unbelievable!
Mastantuono likely won't get immediate playing time at Real Madrid. After all, he's competing with Endrick and Arda Güler. But in the future? An attacking force with Vinícius, Mbappé, and Bellingham? If the star names don't create a pressure-cooker atmosphere, this could be Galacticos 3.0.
Dominik Holec Gets New Competition
Baník is in the mood for reinforcements this year, even in goal. And just like their high-quality footwear, equipment, or BU1 goalkeeper gloves, their goalkeeping duo will be top-notch. Dominik Holec's backup will be fellow countryman Viktor Budinský, who previously played for Baník.
Budinský returns to Baník from Pardubice, where he moved in 2022. Last season, he was on loan at Michalovce in Slovakia's top league, playing 877 minutes. Baník fans still remember Budinský fondly, just as he remembers Ostrava. Now he returns to a different Baník—one hungry for European football.
Baník, however, will lose another player: Michal Fukala departs after just one year. The Liberec arrival failed to break into the stacked squad and will now attempt to revive his career at Zlín.
Slavia's Transfer Fiasco
Slavia Prague has been making waves in the transfer market, securing big moves for Michal Sadílek and Youssouphya Sanyang, while a record-breaking deal for Pape Diallo from Metz was on the brink—until things went south.
Slavia wanted to replicate the Alexander Bah transfer approach, inviting Diallo to tour the club's facilities. But Diallo refused to travel to Prague, undergo medical tests, or even complete the transfer. It's possible Diallo was unsettled by Slavia signing Sanyang for his position and interest from other clubs. Will the Kinteh deal suffer the same fate?
Big Names to Close
Napoli and Galatasaray have announced major signings. Belgium's football legend Kevin De Bruyne joins Napoli after leaving Manchester City, adding to a squad already stacked with former Premier League stars like Zambo Anguissa and Scott McTominay. Another title incoming?
Galatasaray lands another big name. After Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, and Dries Mertens, former German wonderkid Leroy Sané arrives on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Sané exits the top-five leagues quietly—a shame for a player who shone at Schalke, Man City, and had world-class potential.
That wraps up Part Three of the summer transfer saga. Part Four promises a bombshell: Florian Wirtz's mega-move. And July hasn't even started yet.
