Ranking 5 early transfer deals you might have missed across Europe

While Euro 2024 has captured much of the summer's attention, clubs across Europe have been quietly securing early transfer deals.

Notable moves include star acquisitions and shrewd Bosman bargains from last season's overachievers.

Sports Brief looks at five early transfers in Europe's top five leagues that may have flown under the radar.

Aleix Garcia – Girona to Bayer Leverkusen (€18m)

Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off a historic unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season under Xabi Alonso, have strengthened their squad ahead of a Champions League return.

They secured Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia for €18m. Garcia was instrumental in Girona's surprising third-place finish in La Liga, leading the league in crosses and ranking high in progressive passes and chances created.

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His impressive form earned him a spot in La Liga’s Team of the Season and a debut for Spain in November.

Hiroki Ito – Stuttgart to Bayern Munich (€30m)

After an overachieving season that saw them finish as Bundesliga runners-up, Stuttgart are losing key players, including Hiroki Ito, who joins Bayern Munich for €30m.

Ito, capable of playing center-back or left-back, will enhance Vincent Kompany’s defensive options at Bayern. His departure follows top scorer Serhou Guirassy’s expected move to Borussia Dortmund.

Piotr Zielinski – Napoli to Inter Milan (free)

Inter Milan, known for savvy Bosman deals, have acquired Piotr Zielinski on a free transfer from Napoli.

At 30, Zielinski remains one of Serie A’s top midfielders, having led the league in chances created during Napoli’s 2022-23 Scudetto-winning campaign.

This move continues Inter’s trend of securing top talent on free transfers, following past successes with players like Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Marcus Thuram.

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Mehdi Taremi – FC Porto to Inter Milan (free)

Another free transfer for Inter Milan, Mehdi Taremi joins from FC Porto.

The 31-year-old striker has twice been the Primeira Liga’s top scorer, achieving this feat with both Rio Ave and Porto.

Taremi’s 82 goals in 152 league appearances highlight his scoring prowess. He will bolster Inter’s forward options, lining up alongside Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.

Assan Ouédraogo – Schalke to RB Leipzig (€10m)

RB Leipzig have secured highly sought-after teenager Assan Ouédraogo from Schalke for €10m. Ouédraogo, Schalke’s youngest-ever debutant and goalscorer, impressed during a breakthrough Bundesliga season.

The young talent also won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023. His addition reflects Leipzig’s strategy of nurturing emerging stars.

These early transfers signal strategic moves by Europe's top clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring they remain competitive on all fronts.