Top 10 Signings Across Europe in 2022/23 season
The 2022/2023 season brought forth a wave of remarkable transfers across Europe’s leagues. As clubs sought to strengthen their squads and unearth hidden gems, several high-profile signings made an immediate impact on their new teams. From electrifying strikers to commanding defenders and influential midfielders. Here’s our Top 10 Transfers of the 2022/23 season:
10. Andre Onana (Ajax to Inter Milan, free)
Andre Onana’s free transfer from Ajax to Inter Milan in July 2022 proved to be a shrewd move for the Italian club. The Cameroonian goalkeeper quickly asserted himself as the first-choice shot-stopper ahead of veteran Samir Handanovic. Onana’s agility, reflexes, and exceptional distribution skills played a pivotal role in Inter’s successful campaign. With 19 clean sheets in 41 appearances across all competitions, Onana played a crucial role in Inter’s journey to the UEFA Champions League final. His confident presence between the posts and ability to initiate attacks from the back earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, attracting interest from various clubs across the continent.
9. Sven Botman (Lille to Newcastle, €37.00m)
Sven Botman’s arrival at Newcastle United from Lille had a profound impact on the club’s fortunes. The Dutch defender quickly established himself as a rock-solid presence in the heart of Newcastle’s defence, displaying exceptional defensive skills and aerial prowess. Botman’s composed and commanding performances helped Newcastle secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League. His defensive contributions, including crucial interceptions, clearances, and dominant aerial duels, earned him praise from managers, teammates, and fans alike. Botman’s impressive displays solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.
8. Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City to Arsenal, €52.20m)
Gabriel Jesus’ move from Manchester City to Arsenal proved to be a significant boost for the Gunners. The Brazilian forward quickly integrated into Mikel Arteta’s system, showcasing his understanding of the manager’s tactics. In 26 Premier League appearances, Jesus contributed 11 goals, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s successful top-four finish and qualification for the Champions League. Jesus’ partnership with Arteta, developed during their time together at City, proved fruitful for Arsenal, with the forward displaying his technical ability and goal-scoring instincts.
7. Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal to Lyon, free)
Alexandre Lacazette’s return to Lyon, his boyhood club, after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer revitalised his career. The French striker’s impact was immediate, as he found the back of the net 27 times in Ligue 1, guiding Lyon to a commendable sixth-place finish. Lacazette’s leadership and resilience were evident in Lyon’s thrilling 5-4 comeback victory against Montpellier, where he scored four goals. Demonstrating his prowess as one of France’s top strikers, Lacazette’s decision to rejoin his boyhood club proved to be a wise one.
6. Manuel Akanji (Dortmund to Manchester City, €17.50m)
Manchester City’s acquisition of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund in September 2022 proved to be a masterstroke for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Swiss defender’s inclusion bolstered City’s defensive line, contributing significantly to their remarkable season. Akanji’s composed and cultured style of play perfectly fit Guardiola’s system, enabling City to secure the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles. His reliability and versatility in central defence played a vital role in City’s success, making him an integral part of their treble-winning campaign.
5. Kim Min-Jae (Fernabache to Napoli, €18.05m)
Kim Min-Jae’s transfer to Napoli from Fenerbahçe in July 2022 had a profound impact on the Italian club’s success. The South Korean centre-back exhibited outstanding defensive skills, aerial prowess, and leadership qualities throughout the season. Kim made 35 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals to Napoli’s cause. His contributions played a vital role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph and their impressive run in the Champions League, where they reached the quarter-finals. Kim Min-Jae’s performances garnered attention from top clubs across Europe, solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after defenders on the continent.
4. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich to Barcelona, €45.00m)
Robert Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022 brought immense success to the Catalan club. The Polish striker displayed his exceptional goal-scoring abilities, finding the back of the net 23 times in just 34 La Liga matches, playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s league triumph. Lewandowski’s contributions were not limited to domestic competitions, as he also showcased his prowess in the Champions League and Europa League His arrival added immense firepower to Barcelona’s attack, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s finest strikers.
3. Casemiro ( Real Madrid to Manchester United, €70.65m)
Casemiro’s arrival at Manchester United from Real Madrid in August 2022 proved to be a masterstroke for the English club. The Brazilian midfielder quickly established himself as a vital cog in Erik ten Hag’s midfield, exhibiting exceptional skills both defensively and offensively. In 27 Premier League appearances, Casemiro showcased his versatility, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His defensive prowess, tireless work rate, and leadership qualities made him an invaluable asset for Manchester United. Casemiro’s contributions played a significant role in the club’s EFL Cup victory and their impressive FA Cup run, earning him the MUFC Player of the Month award for June 2023.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Dinamo Batumi to Napoli, €11.50m)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger, showcased immense talent and potential during his debut season at Napoli. Following his transfer from Dinamo Batumi in July 2022, Kvaratskhelia wasted no time in making his mark. He contributed significantly to Napoli’s Serie A triumph, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 league appearances. Moreover, his impact was also felt in the UEFA Champions League, where he was named the Young Player of the Season. Kvaratskhelia’s ability to combine flair, dribbling finesse, and creative instincts made him one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.
1 . Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, €60.00m)
Erling Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 proved to be a game-changer for the English club. The Norwegian striker set the Premier League on fire, netting an astonishing 36 goals in just 35 appearances, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single season. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble, clinching the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles. Haaland’s exceptional performances earned him the prestigious accolades of Premier League Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier strikers. His lightning speed, immense strength, and clinical finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the season.
*Transfer Figures were obtained from transfermarkt.com
(All images via Getty)
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