The summer festival of football in Germany came to an end on Sunday evening, as Spain ended England’s dreams of a first major tournament success since 1966. However, it was a memorable month-long competition, which saw a number of bright stars emerge onto the global stage.
CAMPEONES DE EUROPA 🎉#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/pUPYj8RElx
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 15, 2024
With the transfer window opening during the EUROs, business in the opening weeks of the window has been quiet. However, that could be set to change over the next month as clubs look to make their moves for some of the top performers at this summer’s EUROs. But, who are ten players that could be set for a big-money move?
Nico Williams
Lamine Yamal righty took a lot of the Spanish plaudits this summer, but the emergence of Nico Williams on the left-hand side of the Spain attack shouldn’t be overlooked. The winger broke the deadlock in the EURO final after calmly slotting home inside the opening minutes of the second half.
🏆😄#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/uSG9csK3Pw
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 15, 2024
Williams scored twice at the EUROs this summer, and added one assist for good measure. Barcelona are front-runners to sign the Athletic Bilbao 22-year-old and reunite him with his Spanish teammate Yamal at club level.
Jaka Bijol
Following the expansion of the EUROs this summer, there were some lesser know nations involved in the tournament. That has given a number of stars the platform that they require to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Jaka Bijol is an absolute rock at the back for Slovenia. Been impeccable throughout this tournament and has never let his guard down once. pic.twitter.com/T2t4zIlJAN
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) July 1, 2024
Jaka Bijol certainly appears to be one player that could be on the move this summer, after the Slovenian defender showed his excellent defensive capabilities to restrict Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane to minimal chances in matches this summer. Aston Villa are tipped to make a move for the Udinese defender over the coming weeks.
Riccardo Calafiori
It was a disappointing EUROs for the reigning champions, as Italy exited the tournament at the round of 16 stage at the hands of Switzerland. However, Italians were defiant that their tournament could have continued had it not been for the untimely suspension of Riccardo Calafiori following the group stage.
THE DREAM TO PLAY FOR @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/gwsbcRzZ8a
— Ricardo Calafiori🇮🇹 (@MrItalianAura) July 13, 2024
The 22-year-old is an excellent modern-day central defender and has excellent quality with the ball at his feet. Therefore, it is no surprise to see clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal weighing up moves for the Bologna defender.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney has been widely tipped to leave Brentford since his debut campaign in the Premier League. But this could be the summer when the striker finally moves to pastures new.
Ivan Toney and England poke fun at his no-look penalty technique #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/Qdq6Z9aQfL
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) July 9, 2024
Toney was a standout player from the bench for England, setting up Kane’s winner in the round of 16, before his flamboyant no-look penalty in the shootout success over Switzerland showcased that he has the character to play at the highest level. Tottenham, Man United, and Arsenal are all rumoured suitors for the 28-year-old.
Ferdi Kadioglu
Turkey have threatened to play a greater role at a major tournament in qualification campaigns in recent years, but they finally delivered at the EUROs to reach the quarterfinals. Excellent defensive stats were a key trend in their progression this summer, and a standout player was Ferdi Kadioglu.
Ferdi Kadıoğlu for only £30 million would be an absolute bargain… pic.twitter.com/GyciPzsEoO
— 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 (@CantonasMind) July 14, 2024
The full-back caught the eye down the left-hand side of the field, and his versatility could be a big factor considered by interested teams such as Man United, Arsenal, and West Ham.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
There has never been any doubt surrounding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s quality, with the winger having played a key role for Napoli in their Serie A-winning campaign.
🇬🇪🇵🇹Taking on Portugal to see off the tournament in a must win game for Georgia.
Up steps Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to deliver for his country once again, and boy, he did not disappoint!🔥
🗣️It gets even better with Georgian commentary…
⬇️pic.twitter.com/MZqvLxtg6f— Georgian Footy (@GeorgianFooty) July 14, 2024
However, his emergence on the global stage finally arrived this summer after a string of excellent displays for Georgia. Kvaratskhelia netted once in four matches at the EUROs, but the 23-year-old could be on the move with PSG among the likely front-runners as they bid to replace Kylian Mbappe.
Georges Mikautadze
Georges Mikautadze is almost certainly a player that has earned a move this summer, and it appears incredibly unlikely that he will be starting the upcoming campaign in the second tier of French football with Metz.
🔴🔵🇬🇪 Georges Mikautadze, in Lyon today in order to undergo medical tests and sign in as new OL player from Metz.
After crazy saga with AS Monaco and even medical tests booked, Mikautadze decides to join OL and his contract will be valid until June 2029.
Here we go 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/DbGx05JoD3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2024
Mikautadze produced a coming-of-age performance on the global stage at the EUROs, netting three goals and registering one assist to narrowly miss out on the Golden Boot. A bright future awaits for this talented 23-year-old striker.
Dan Ndoye
Switzerland have so often flattered to deceive at major tournaments, but a fresh-look to the team narrowly saw them miss out on a semi-final place this summer. Dan Ndoye was one of their standout players, kicking on following an excellent campaign with Bologna.
Dan Ndoye’s agent has revealed that Manchester United are in pole position to sign the Switzerland forward. 🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/M7y2twSa5d
— Transfer News (@TransfersLlVE) July 13, 2024
His agent has already mentioned a move to a ‘superior’ club, and the 23-year-old has already been linked with a move to Man United this summer.
Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo’s ability has never been questioned, but his ability to rise to the occasion for Spain this summer shows that there is still untapped potential. The attacking midfielder ended the EUROs as the Golden Boot winner after netting in each of Spain’s knockout matches at the tournament.
Con permiso, buenas tardes. pic.twitter.com/Ujo5KDkzpH
— Dani Olmo (@daniolmo7) July 15, 2024
His technical ability means that Olmo will attract attention from some of the biggest teams in the world, with Man City reportedly being among the front-runners, as Olmo is considered to be a perfect replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino was one of Spain’s unsung heroes at this summer’s EUROs. He netted the crucial winner in their quarterfinal success over Germany when the game looked to be heading toward penalties, and played his role from the bench with typical class to ensure that the team didn’t lose possession of the ball.
Links to Mikel Merino? Wouldn’t mind that at all.
Absolute baller capable of replicating Xhaka’s 22/23 role with the additional aerial threat.
At the right price, I like it.pic.twitter.com/73kqHcT7Fi
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) July 10, 2024
The Real Sociedad man is already attracting interest from some of the biggest teams in the world, with both Arsenal and Barcelona weighing up moves for the 28-year-old.
