As the season has come to an end, the time has come to look back at all the transfers of the 2023-2024 season and decide: Which one was the best? While there are some expected names, a few choices in our selection might surprise you.
10. Sergi Darder
Darder arrived at Mallorca following Espanyol’s relegation to the Segunda. Mallorca secured the Spaniard’s services for less than €10 million, and he has since become the maestro of Mallorca’s midfield.
The team was often criticized for lacking outlets in the center of the pitch, as Los Piratas prefer to play through the wings.
Darder’s arrival brought tidy performances, stabilizing the heart of the pitch. His characteristic reliability makes him a dependable teammate, exactly what the team needed. Additionally, he has regularly helped the team reach the goal as a bonus.
Amb la sortida de Jaume Costa del @RCD_Mallorca ha quedat vacant un lloc en el quintet de capitans de l’equip…
Qui l’ocuparà?? Sense descartar a Sergi Darder, tots els números apunten al Pirata 🏴☠️🏴☠️
A qui triaries tu? 👀 pic.twitter.com/dt19VIdfci
— 21Mallorca (@testimmallorca) May 30, 2024
9. Lamine Yamal
Although he was not signed but promoted from La Masia’s ranks, Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s top performers.
When the team needed a dribbler who could bring dynamism and the flair of a winger, Yamal stepped up.
Although he’s only sixteen and legally not allowed to drive, he has successfully driven the ball with skill and confidence. It’s rare for a player who is not yet an adult to play 50 games in their first season, but Yamal achieved it – scoring seven goals and providing ten assists in the 2023/24 season across all competitions.
Of course Lamine Yamal is La Liga’s U23 Player of the Season ✨ pic.twitter.com/wiXgmfZ5ku
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 28, 2024
8. Joselu
Joselu is another loanee who exceeded expectations. Unlike Omorodion, he is not a young prospect.
On the contrary, the Espanyol-owned and ex-Alaves player has a long history in the league, always playing for struggling teams. He played a big part in Real Madrid’s title charge at thirty-four years old despite not being a regular starter.
With ten goals and two assists in La Liga, he has proved that he is up to the task despite his limited skillset. For someone who came from Espanyol, these are excellent stats.
🤍A POR LA 15🤍 pic.twitter.com/5ePO10cU2k
— Joselu Mato (@JoseluMato9) May 8, 2024
7. Samu Omorodion
Although it was only a loan – the forward is expected to return to Atlético de Madrid – Omorodion was one of the season’s sensations. He has nine goals and one assist to his name, impressive statistics for a team like Deportivo Alavés, as the Basques have historically struggled to stay clear of the relegation zone.
This season, however, they performed like a mid-table club. Omorodion’s powerful shot technique has left many goalkeepers as mere spectators to his goals. This is just the beginning for the Atlético-owned star.
Born in 2004 and standing at 1.93 meters, he is one of the most formidable prospects in the league. There is no doubt that this season has been a success for him.
🚨🇪🇸 JUST IN: Atlético Madrid’s asking price for Samu Omorodion is €40m in case he were to leave the club. Napoli has scouted the striker.
[🥇: @DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/p0wGm0BsqB
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) May 15, 2024
6. Pepelu
Pepelu’s inclusion might come as a surprise to many – he is the only deep midfielder on this list. But the Valencia youngster deserves the recognition. Pepelu was acquired from Levante in the Segunda Division for a few million, and his value has at least tripled since then.
Recent reports indicate that Barcelona is scouting the defensive midfielder, who has played a big part in Valencia’s campaign.
Maintaining stability in a team that constantly changes and suffers from mismanagement is difficult. However, Pepelu has been one of the pillars of Ruben Baraja’s squad – and it is no surprise he has landed on our list.
Pepelu for €20M is a bargain. He’s the prototype of WC #6: tall, tireless, understands buildup, technically refined to manipulate, good passing technique/range, big interceptor. He’s a fantastic #6/double pivot player for a possession based team. EL/CL teams should be attentive. pic.twitter.com/UQsYdtREtS
— Daniel (@danieIscouting) May 27, 2024
5. Alexander Sørloth
This transfer seemed intriguing, though his lack of mobility caused doubts among the community. Alexander Sørloth only lost the Pichichi race to Artem Dovbyk, scoring twenty-four goals and eight assists in thirty-six games.
Given that Villarreal didn’t have its best season, this is impressive. Glimpses of his brilliance had been seen at Real Sociedad, but the Scandinavian striker suffered from the team’s rigidity. With the Yellow Submarine, Sørloth has truly become a star
Only four players have scored four goals against Real Madrid this century:
-Diego Milito
-Robert Lewandowski
-Taty Castellanos
-Alexander Sørloth
pic.twitter.com/6x87Ctz5nP— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) May 22, 2024
4. Jude Bellingham
Of course, this list would be incomplete without Jude Bellingham.
He arrived for €90 million, bringing with him high expectations. That is why he has been surpassed by the previous transfers on this list. Everyone knew Jude was brilliant, as seen with his performances at Dortmund.
But nobody anticipated that Bellingham would take the league by storm from day one (scoring in his debut vs Athletic Club). At such a young age, making the move from Dortmund to Real Madrid and finishing among the league’s top scorers – despite not being a striker – is truly impressive. Bellingham has exceeded every expectation fans had of him despite them being sky-high.
Jude Bellingham tops the list of the most valuable players in the world at €280m 🤑
(h/t @CIES_Football) pic.twitter.com/yjUtmcZxbX
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 30, 2024
3. Isco
Isco is a name that resonates with every football fan. He made a name for himself in Spain at Real Madrid, but the rapidly evolving sport soon saw him fall down the hierarchy due to his lack of commitment to defensive duties.
He was almost forgotten when a last chance came up: Real Betis.
Becoming the team’s centrepiece, Isco rediscovered his form, much to the delight of fans. With eight goals and six assists, there is no doubt that accommodating Isco was worth it. This move was not anticipated, but it is one that everyone is grateful for. Isco was regularly selected in the team of the week, as his technicality and chance creation significantly benefited his team.
2024 Isco is better than ANY version of Kevin De Bruyne. i will never change my opinion.
pic.twitter.com/xBVMM5uMJj https://t.co/Uu4TWS6KBi— 🌴 #APorLa15 (@Camaverde_) May 25, 2024
2. Savio
The second player on the leaderboard is not the only Girona player on this list. When it wasn’t Dovbyk scoring, it was Savio dazzling defences with his silky dribbles. Coming from Troyes (another CFG-owned club), the Brazilian was well-known on the European scene.
Now, he is. Savio formed an excellent partnership with Miguel Gutierrez, making him one of the most feared wingers in the country. Savio ends the season with nine goals and ten assists to his name in thirty-seven La Liga games.
His consistency is remarkable, and many will remember him for the joy he brought fans whenever he had the ball. Girona is one of the most exciting teams in the league, and Savio is a big reason for that.
🚨🔵 Sávio to Manchester City, exclusive story confirmed and here we go!
Understand Man City have all contracts ready for Savinho to join the club in July.
Deal at signing stage now, documents being reviewed and completed on all sides.
First signing for 24/25 season, done. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/1mA9M505ne
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2024
1. Artem Dovbyk
Without a doubt, this is the signing of the season. One of the stars of Girona – who qualified for the Champions League – the Ukrainian striker scored twenty-four times in only thirty-six games.
As if that was not enough, he also provided eight assists, making him a productive teammate. In his first season in La Liga, Dovbyk, scouted by the CFG group in Ukraine, has made a significant impact.
His impressive record earned him the Pichichi Trophy – awarded to the league’s top scorer. Virtually unknown last season, he is now on everyone’s lips. Alongside his Ukrainian teammate Viktor Tsygankov, they have the potential to achieve great things.
For the first time since the 2008/09 season, Spain’s top goalscorer is not from either Barcelona or Real Madrid 🤯
Girona’s Artem Dovbyk has had an incredible debut season with 24 goals 🔝👏 pic.twitter.com/0FRdnsqPcD
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 28, 2024
