Major Transfers Shaping the Summer of 2026
The summer transfer window of 2026 is nearing its conclusion, with clubs finalizing their last-minute signings. As usual, we summarize the latest transfers from both domestic and international spheres in compact four-player packages, shedding light on the significant shifts in the football landscape.
Noteworthy Signings and Departures
One of the most notable moves this summer involves Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Moroccan national player who has made headlines by transferring from OSC Lille to Manchester City for a staggering fee of €95 million. This transfer marks Bouaddi as the most expensive teenager ever signed by an English club, with potential bonuses pushing the total to €100 million. The talented midfielder, who made his first-team debut shortly after his 16th birthday, has already played 96 competitive matches for Lille and has recently emerged as one of the standout players for Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manchester City has secured his services until 2031, envisioning him as a pivotal figure in their revamped midfield setup. However, coach Enzo Maresca has cautioned against placing excessive expectations on the young prodigy right away.
Alongside Bouaddi's arrival, Manchester City is parting ways with Nico González, who is set to join Newcastle United for a fee that could reach approximately €58 million. After one and a half years at City, where he made 59 appearances and scored four goals, González found limited opportunities under Maresca's management. Newcastle sees him as a crucial addition following the departures of key players Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, aiming to bolster their midfield with his experience and versatility. Standing at 186 cm, González is capable of playing both as a defensive midfielder and in a more advanced role, and he becomes the seventh new signing for Newcastle this summer, bringing their total expenditure to an impressive €275 million.
In a significant move for Nottingham Forest, Liam Delap has been acquired from Chelsea FC for an initial fee of around €52 million, potentially rising with bonuses. This transfer makes Delap the most expensive signing in Nottingham's history. After a promising start with Ipswich Town, where he netted twelve goals in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, Delap's stint at Chelsea saw him struggle, managing only three goals in 47 appearances. Now, with the departure of Taiwo Awoniyi, Delap is expected to play a vital role in the attack under coach Oliver Glasner, as he aims to rediscover his scoring form.
Lastly, SCR Altach has boosted its offensive lineup by signing Rodney Elongo-Yombo from 1. FC Saarbrücken. The German-Congolese player was a free agent following the expiration of his contract and has inked a two-year deal with Altach. With a background that includes stints at FC Ingolstadt and SSV Ulm, Elongo-Yombo transitioned to professional football with Greuther Fürth II, where he made 91 appearances in the third division before moving to Saarbrücken. During his time at Saarbrücken, he contributed with two goals and seven assists across 38 league appearances, showcasing his versatility and goal-scoring potential. Altach's sporting director, Philipp Netzer, emphasized the player's experience and adaptability, which will be vital for the team's offensive strategies this season.
As reported by abseits.at.
