Riccardo Calafiori, Nico Williams, and 7 standout players eye big-money transfers after shining at Euro 2024
The tournament has provided a stage for numerous players to showcase their talents, and many could be on the move after catching the eye.
Signing a player based on an impressive international tournament is always a risk, but it’s a gamble several clubs will consider as Euro 2024 heads into its final week. In Germany, a mix of lesser-known and well-established names have been catching the eye and could be poised for big moves with the transfer window now open.
For some, a switch seemed inevitable given their red-hot form coming into the tournament, while others have made a name for themselves in what could be a career-defining European Championship, seizing the spotlight with the eyes of the footballing world upon them.
So, who should we watch out for in the gossip columns in the coming weeks and months? GOAL takes a look at the 14 players who have put themselves in the shop window…
Read more on GOAL: Top Transfer Targets from Euro 2024
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia seized the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage during Georgia’s first-ever major tournament at Euro 2024. The talismanic attacker played a crucial role in Georgia’s historic run to the last 16, scoring an early goal in their stunning victory over Portugal, which secured their place in the knockouts.
Now that the Euros are over, Kvaratskhelia, nicknamed ‘Kvaradona,’ faces an uncertain future at the club level. His agent has publicly stated that he wants to leave Napoli, attracting interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain . However, recent reports suggest he might still sign a new deal with the Italian club . Regardless of where he ends up, his impressive performance in Germany has only increased his value.
Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)
Despite Italy’s early exit, Riccardo Calafiori made a lasting impression at Euro 2024. Known for his good looks, throwback long hair, and hairband, Calafiori’s absence was felt during the round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland. The Azzurri might wonder what could have been had he not been suspended.
As a smooth-passing, left-footed centre-back, the 22-year-old Calafiori barely put a foot wrong. His performances have already attracted interest from top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Calafiori, who helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season, is now at the forefront of transfer speculations. Despite Bologna’s hopes, their chances of retaining him are slim at best.
Marc Guehi (England)
Marc Guehi has emerged as one of England’s standout players at Euro 2024. Despite the Three Lions’ struggles to create chances and score goals, their defense has remained solid, thanks largely to Guehi’s intelligent game reading and timely interventions.
Guehi’s importance was highlighted by his absence in the quarter-final against Switzerland due to suspension. This summer, the £55 million-rated ($70m) center-back is expected to leave Crystal Palace, attracting interest from several top Premier League clubs.
Maximilian Mittelstadt (Germany)
At 27, Maximilian Mittelstadt is not exactly a newcomer, but he was an unfamiliar name in Germany’s Euro 2024 squad. The full-back’s meteoric rise began after joining Stuttgart last summer, where he impressed in the group stage, notably providing a fine assist against Hungary from the left flank.
Interestingly, his name has not yet surfaced in the transfer rumor mill, even as Germany reached the quarter-finals on home soil. This will likely change now that their tournament has ended with a defeat to Spain, making another transfer seemingly imminent for Mittelstadt.
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Dan Ndoye (Switzerland)
Part of a new generation of Swiss talent, Dan Ndoye made a significant impact at Euro 2024, continuing his impressive form from last season. After helping Bologna secure a Champions League spot, the versatile wide man excelled in multiple positions for Switzerland, scoring a well-taken volley against Germany in the group stage.
Ndoye’s agent has indicated that he is ready for a move to a ‘superior’ club. Despite only being with Bologna for one season, the 23-year-old, who previously played for Nice and Lausanne, is sensationally linked with Manchester United. However, this might be premature. Inter Milan has also been mentioned as a potential destination, which seems more realistic.
Dani Olmo (Spain)
Dani Olmo, often linked with Barcelona and Manchester City, has likely convinced top clubs to make their move after his impressive performances at Euro 2024. Despite starting only once in four appearances, Olmo has showcased his dynamism and technical prowess, scoring in each of Spain’s knockout games so far.
Although Olmo has expressed contentment at RB Leipzig, interest from Barca and City persists, with both clubs seemingly poised to act this summer for the €60m (£51m/$65m) rated player. PSG and Bayern Munich are also reportedly in the mix. Despite a club season hampered by injuries, Olmo appears ready to take the next step in his career.
Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Fabian Ruiz has revitalized his career on the international stage at Euro 2024, standing out as a star performer for Spain despite struggling to make an impact at PSG. The 28-year-old midfielder has scored twice and provided two assists, showcasing his rejuvenated form.
PSG appears poised to sell Fabian rather than retain him, with numerous clubs interested following his impressive displays in Germany. Tottenham has reportedly shown interest, while a return to his former club Real Betis or a move to Atletico Madrid is also rumored.
Xavi Simons (Netherlands)
Xavi Simons was destined for a major transfer this summer, irrespective of his Euro 2024 performance. The 21-year-old impressed after a stellar loan season at RB Leipzig, contributing to 25 goals, and has continued to shine with three assists for the Netherlands at the tournament.
Despite rejoining PSG from PSV last year, Simons reportedly has no plans to return to Paris. Bayern Munich is actively pursuing him for a Bundesliga return, while Leipzig remains hopeful of securing his stay in eastern Germany. Manchester United and Arsenal have also been loosely linked, although his hefty £85m ($109m) price tag poses a challenge.
Nico Williams (Spain)
Nico Williams has emerged as a standout talent at Euro 2024, showcasing his explosive skills for Spain on a global stage. The Athletic Club prodigy has formed a dynamic partnership with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, impressing with his performance.
Amid increasing speculation in recent months, Williams’ Euro performances have intensified interest, with financially constrained Barcelona and talent-focused Chelsea appearing as potential destinations. However, a continuation with Athletic Club in Bilbao remains a possibility. With his €60m (£51m/$65m) release clause, Williams is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect.
