The summer transfer window of the 2021/22 season will forever be etched in the memory of all football fans. A transfer window full of incredible twists, last-minute turns, big-money signings, emotional farewells and a glorious homecoming – it’s seen it all!
Here we are about to cover a minute part of this crazy window with some of the big names which made the headlines. From Romelu Lukaku coming back to Stamford Bridge along with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United and the greatest of all time leaving Barcelona colours; it’s been a rollercoaster ride.
1. Romelu Lukaku
Thomas Tuchel had made it clear that his Chelsea team would not be complete without the addition of a proven goalscorer. When you are the European Champions, your requests are generally given priority. However, Romelu Lukaku’s return wasn’t all that easy. At one point in time, Chelsea looked certain to be splashing the cash for Erling Haaland with Abramovich readying £130 million in cash. However, Borussia Dortmund was reluctant to let him go especially after losing Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.
Hence, Chelsea had no option but to turn to the man they had to let go back in 2014. After seven years, three different clubs Romelu Lukaku is back at Stamford Bridge and that too by being their most expensive signing ever at £97.5 million.
2. Lionel Messi
Copa America – done. Contract negotiations – done. Player agreement – done. Lionel Messi was on the verge of renewing his contract at FC Barcelona when calamity struck. For all its certainty, everybody knew that Messi will sign a new contract especially after winning his first international trophy.
So much so that even the ever-dependable Fabrizio Romano had confirmed the news! But FC Barcelona’s dire financial problems combined with La Liga’s financial fair play conditions meant that even after taking a 50% pay cut, Lionel Messi couldn’t stay at the Camp Nou.
What followed was the last thing Barcelona fans wanted to see – Messi’s farewell speech, a teary-eyed event that marked the end of one of the greatest ever club careers in the game’s history.
But while one door closed, another one was prompt to open up. Paris Saint-Germain grabbed this opportunity with both hands. The Parisians wasted no time in welcoming Lionel Messi to their new home and now have one of the most lethal front three in world football. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr- that’s making a statement.
3.Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo had arrived in Turin intending to win the UEFA Champions League. He has given it his all and has hardly received any support from his teammates.
Seeing Lionel Messi joining a very strong team, he knows Messi is in a stronger position to lift the Champions League. Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes was desperate to find a new club for him and somehow he managed to find one. But the only problem was that the club was Manchester City.
When the news broke out that Ronaldo is set to sign with Manchester City, all hell broke loose. United fans started abusing Ronaldo online, supporters went wild at this blasphemy. But how do you join Manchester City when you’ve been brought up by Sir Alex Ferguson?
It was never happening, Ronaldo returns to Manchester United in a move that caused shockwaves across the football community. CR7 back at Old Trafford, the Red Devils once again chanting ‘Viva Ronaldo‘, the Premier League set to welcome back one of its finest. Football at its best.
4. Sergio Ramos
Very few players have the privilege of winning multiple UEFA Champions League and even fewer have what it takes to captain a side to three consecutive UEFA Champions League victories. After an illustrious career at the Bernabeu, Sergio Ramos is leaving the club. A free transfer to PSG after Fiorentina Perez refused to extend his contract.
The man who became synonymous with Real Madrid’s success is now with Paris Saint-Germain. Moreover, the player who gave him the greatest challenge is now his teammate. Messi and Ramos together are one fairytale ending football fans are loving.
Notable Mentions
- Jadon Sancho – After so much efforts Manchester United were finally able to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain signed the man of the tournament at the UEFA Euros for free from AC Milan.
- Jack Grealish – Manchester City broke the bank and signed Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish for £100 million.
- Achraf Hakimi – PSG made a big addition to their defence with the signing of Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan. A £60 million purchase for the attacking right back.
- Raphael Varane – Manchester United’s desperate need for an experienced centre back is over with the introduction of Raphael Varane for £40 million.
- Antoine Griezmann – A last-minute turnaround saw Antoine Griezmann return to Atletico Madrid with Barcelona buying Dutch striker Luuk De Jong.