Under the radar 

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Whilst the World Cup reached it’s tense pivotal stages, the summer transfer window is also in full flow. We have already seen a number of big money deals, including Elliot Anderson’s imminent €135 million move to Manchester City, Sandro Tonali’s €108m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Anthony Gordon’s €80m transfer to Barcelona. But what are some of the smaller and more surprising deals that have already got over the line this summer? Transfermarkt brings you 10 unusual transfers you may have missed this summer.

10 surprising transfers you may have missed this summer

Illan Meslier – Leeds to Arsenal – Free

Nobody saw this one coming. At the start of the window, the idea of goalkeeper Illan Meslier – who was third choice at Leeds and didn’t play a single minute last season – joining Premier League champions Arsenal may have seemed absurd. Nevertheless, he comes in as either third or second choice shot-stopper on a free transfer and has a market value of €8 million and Premier League experience.

Daley Blind – Girona to Ajax – Free

Daley Blind, yes that Daley Blind, is not only still playing, but is now heading back to his hometown club – Amsterdam giants, Ajax. After spending three years at Spanish side Girona, and getting relegated last season, he now returns to the Netherlands on a free transfers – aged 36.

Sébastian Haller – Utrecht to Hiroshima – Free

His time in the Premier League was not exactly a standout success, but Sébastien Haller has nevertheless built a reputation as a top European striker i the past decade. So fans may be perhaps surprised to see the Ivorian move from Dutch side Utrecht to Japanese outfit Sanfrecce Hiroshima – aged just 32.

Loïs Openda – RB Leipzig to Juventus – €42m

A few years ago, Loïs Openda was one of the hottest commodities in the striker market in European football. Now, he has somewhat faded into the abyss. Last term,, he spent the season on loan at Juventus, scoring just two goals in 32 games and seeing his market value drop to €25m. However, due to an obligation to buy, the Old Lady has forked out €42m to make the signing permanent this summer.

Jakub Kiwior – Arsenal to Porto – €17m

Now, what makes this deal quite strange is the extremely low fee. Arsenal have made a habit of being a poor selling club in recent decades and that has continued, with centre-back Jakub Kiwior – who won the Liga Portugal last season on loan at Porto and has a market value of €35m – joining the Portuguese side for just €17m.

Raúl Jiménez – Fulham to Wolves – Free

The homecoming of Raúl Jiménez to Wolves is a slightly unusual one. The Mexican did some of his best work in the gold of Wolverhampton before suffering a serious head injury in a collision with David Luiz, but was Fulham’s top scorer in the Premier League last season. So a drop to the Championship is a bit out of the blue – especially given how short Fulham look right now.

Nathan Aké – Man City to Fenerbahce – €8.2m

Nathan Aké has been the epitome of a true professional at Manchester City and has always been ready to be relied upon when needed. Last season, due to injuries and not being selected, his minutes dropped, and he is now seeking pastures new over in Türkiye with giants Fenerbahce. An €8.2m move.

Elizier Mayenda – Sunderland to Stade Rennes – €21m

Elizier Mayenda was one of the heroes behind Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League in 2024/25, but after starting the opening league game of last season, the youngster mainly found himself on the bench. He is still a hot prospect but now moves on to French side Stade Rennes in a €21m move.

David Carmo – Forest to Olympiacos – €9m

A €9m transfer for a €5m-valued centre-back between two sister clubs with Evangelos Marinakis involved. Nothing to see here. David Carmo was signed by Nottingham Forest in 2024 for €11m, but hasn’t made a single appearance for the club, and after loan spells at Olympiacos, he now makes his move to Greece permanent.

Jesse Derry – Chelsea to Sporting – loan

Jesse Derry was a surprise inclusion in Chelsea’s starting line up for their match against Nottingham Forest last May at 18 years old, but was unfortunately subbed off early after suffering concussion. he is thought of highly at the club and a loan move isn’t a surprise, but a temporary transfer to Portuguese giants Sporting wasn’t on the bingo card. This one is not yet officially announced but is likely to be soon.