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Which deals in the January and July transfer markets were the biggest in 2023?
2023 saw some of the game's biggest names embark on journeys to uncharted territories, reshaping the global football map. While the Premier League dominated in terms of individual fees, the allure of the Middle East and North America drew iconic players away from the familiar confines of Europe.
Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar all made moves to previously unfancied teams and dominated headlines. Still, conventional deals within Europe also made waves in the January and July transfer markets.
Out of all the high-profile moves made this year, we’ve selected the top 10 deals that happened in 2023.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: Free agent to Al Nassr
The Portuguese forward's move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr marked a groundbreaking moment, shifting the focus from Europe to the Middle East.
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Ronaldo's storied career took an unexpected turn, opening doors for other big names to follow suit.
2. Lionel Messi: PSG to Inter Miami
Messi's shock move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, led by former player David Beckham, stunned the football world.
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Departing PSG after a challenging stint, Messi embraced a new chapter across the Atlantic, signalling a masterstroke for football in the United States.
3. Jude Bellingham: Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid
Rising from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham's trajectory took a major upturn as the England international earned a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The English midfielder's potential as a Galactico became evident, showcasing his prowess with 12 goals in 14 LaLiga games.
4. Moises Caicedo: Brighton to Chelsea
In a record-breaking transfer between Chelsea and Brighton, the Ecuadorian midfielder made a move worth £100 million (€126.8 million), plus £15 million (€19 million) in add-ons.
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Despite Chelsea's challenges in the Premier League, the move reflects a strategic transition under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
5. Declan Rice: West Ham to Arsenal
The hard-fought transfer saga saw England midfielder Rice become Arsenal's record signing, with a fee of £100 million (117.18 million), plus £5 million ($6.3 million) in add-ons.
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This crucial move positioned Arsenal among the Premier League's elite and RIce has lived up to the billing, helping the Gunners reach the top of the table and keeping them as one of the leading contenders for the league come May.
6. Harry Kane: Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich
Kane's remarkable move to Bayern Munich saw him net 10 goals in his first seven competitive games, making an immediate impact in Germany.
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Tottenham felt the loss of their captain, who opted for a fresh start abroad, leaving a buy-back clause for a potential return.
7. Sadio Mane: Bayern Munich to Al Nassr
Mane's peak form attracted attention in Germany, but Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr secured his services after his stint at Bayern Munich.
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The Senegalese striker joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo, creating a formidable partnership in the Saudi Pro League in a formidable Al Nassr side.
8. Neymar: PSG to Al Hilal
Like Messi, Neymar's time at PSG didn't meet expectations. The Brazilian forward chose a different path, opting for the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal, aligning his journey with the trend of star players exploring new territories.
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Neymar's start to life in Saudi Arabia has been less than promising after the forward suffered an ACL injury mere months into his Al Hilal stint.
9. Karim Benzema: Real Madrid to Al Ittihad
The French striker bid farewell to a glittering career at Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals in 648 games. At 35, Karim Benzema embraced a new challenge with Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad, adding another marquee name to the league.
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The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner led Al Ittihad's summer recruitment which also included his former France national team colleague N'Golo Kante.
10. Randal Kolo-Muani: Frankfurt to Paris Saint-Germain
World Cup runner-up Kolo-Muani returned to France, joining Paris Saint-Germain alongside international teammates Mbappe and Dembele.
The €95 million move marked Kolo-Muani as one of the summer's top signings, emphasising PSG's commitment to assembling a star-studded squad.
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