Sophia
The summer 2025 transfer window delivered an exhilarating whirlwind of activity, with football fans worldwide captivated by seismic moves. Blockbuster deals involving stars like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Viktor Gyökeres, and Trent Alexander-Arnold dominated headlines. Yet, amid this frenzy, several significant transfers involving established names and promising talents quietly unfolded, slipping under the radar. Many former stalwarts embarked on new chapters, and some surprising shifts occurred. Here, we delve into eight high-profile transfers you might have overlooked amidst the summer chaos.
Jamie Vardy: From Free Agent to Cremonese
Many speculated that Jamie Vardy would hang up his boots after his legendary spell with Leicester City concluded last season. However, the 38-year-old, known for his relentless energy, had other plans. While moves within the UK and across the Atlantic were mooted, Vardy ultimately landed in Italy, signing with newly-promoted Serie A side Cremonese. Having already secured impressive victories against Milan and Sassuolo this season, Cremonese will look to Vardy’s proven goalscoring prowess to fire them to safety. This “Football Manager-esque” transfer has undoubtedly captured the imagination of fans.
Roberto Firmino: Al Ahli to Al Sadd
Roberto Firmino’s tenure in the Saudi Pro League, following his 2023 move from Liverpool, didn’t quite ignite the division, but he still posted respectable numbers, contributing to 38 goals across two campaigns for Al Ahli. However, in a less-scrutinized league, he gradually faded from public consciousness. His transfer to Qatari side Al Sadd is unlikely to thrust him back into the global spotlight, but it extends an already illustrious career. Firmino has already registered his first goal and assist for his new club, securing another significant payday in the process.
Alexis Sánchez: Udinese to Sevilla
At 36, Alexis Sánchez continues his remarkable journey, having just signed with the tenth professional club of his senior career. After making his name at Udinese, he returned to the Italian side following spells at Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter, and Marseille. Now, Sánchez has taken his talents back to Spain, joining Sevilla on a free transfer after a subdued return to Udine. He links up with fellow veterans César Azpilicueta and Nemanja Gudelj, aiming to score his first competitive club goal since April 1, 2024.
Olivier Giroud: LAFC to Lille
Olivier Giroud’s brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint with LAFC concluded with the 38-year-old sharpshooter opting for a return to his native France. This move to Lille appears to be a masterstroke, as he’s already found the net in two of their opening three Ligue 1 matches. Giroud is tasked with replacing Jonathan David’s prolific goalscoring output and faces stiff competition from Hamza Igamane, who bagged a brace on his debut in a resounding 7-1 victory over Lorient. A role as an impact substitute might perfectly suit Giroud’s aging body, allowing him to continue making vital contributions.
Mateo Retegui: Atalanta to Al Qadsiah
Mateo Retegui’s move to Saudi Arabia came as a surprise, especially after he finished the 2024-25 Serie A season as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 25 goals for Atalanta. Al Qadsiah splashed a reported £67 million (including add-ons) for the Italy international, who has already netted twice since arriving in the Middle East. At just 26, Retegui’s decision to cash in on a move to the Saudi Pro League raises questions about his long-term career trajectory. While a return to Europe’s elite divisions is possible, for now, he won’t be testing his mettle against the world’s top defenses.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Al Qadsiah to Marseille
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has represented more clubs than fellow ex-Arsenal star Sánchez, made Al Qadsiah his 11th employer. However, with Retegui’s arrival, the Gabon international opted for a return to one of his former sides this summer. Marseille, who benefited from Aubameyang’s 30 goals in 2023-24, have been reunited with the 36-year-old, who still possesses admirable speed and a clinical finish. He’s already bagged two goals on his return to Ligue 1, with many more expected throughout the season.
Ángel Di María: Benfica to Rosario Central
Ángel Di María bid farewell to his beloved Benfica after the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, but his remarkable career continues. Following a second spell with the Portuguese giants, he has opted for another stint at his boyhood club, Rosario Central, marking an emotional return to Argentina. The wiry 37-year-old remains as creative as ever, having managed three goals in his opening seven appearances since reuniting with Rosario Central. While time may be ticking for Di María, he is set to enjoy one final, poignant spell back where it all began.
Renato Sanches: PSG to Panathinaikos
Renato Sanches’s career has unfortunately not unfolded as many predicted. The former Benfica prodigy, once heralded as a generational talent, has struggled to live up to the immense hype that surrounded him at a young age. Stints at Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain proved unsuccessful, and the midfielder, still under contract with the European champions, hasn’t featured for them since the 2022-23 campaign. After loan spells at Roma and Benfica, Sanches has now moved further down Europe’s hierarchy, joining Panathinaikos for the current season. The Greek side marks his seventh club at the age of just 28, a testament to a career filled with unfulfilled potential.
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