Five of the most random football transfers made this summer | OneFootball

Football transfers don’t often surprise in the modern game. With ever-increasing access to data and news, most signings can be somewhat predicted when a window opens.

But, shocks aren’t entirely extinct. This summer we’ve seen several surprise signings, with players moving to destinations few expected when the window opened up.

Five of the most random football transfers made this summer

Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland

The last two seasons have perhaps been the best of Granit Xhaka’s career. The Switzerland international was a driving force in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2023/24 Bundesliga title success, the first in the club’s history. Last season, despite failing to defend their crown, Xhaka was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for the second straight year.

Despite the prospect of another season of Champions League football, Xhaka has swapped Die Werkself for Wearside. Newly-promoted Sunderland have landed the 32-year-old in a deal that sees the former Arsenal midfielder return to England.

Instantly installed as captain, Xhaka will be tasked with helping the Black Cats consolidate after nine seasons outside the Premier League.

Evan Ferguson – Brighton to AS Roma

It wasn’t so long ago that Evan Ferguson was being touted as a £100m footballer. Injuries and a loss of form have seen the Irishman’s career stall, with a loan move to West Ham last season failing to ignite his fortunes.

Rome is now the destination of his intended renaissance. The Italian giants have signed Ferguson on a season-long loan deal, with an option to purchase for a reported transfer fee of €40m. Under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, he’ll hope to thrive at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lennon Miller – Motherwell to Udinese

Given the success stories of Scottish midfielders in Serie A of late, perhaps Lennon Miller’s move to Udinese should not surprise. The 18-year-old has departed for Italy, earning Motherwell a record £4.75m fee.

He’ll look to follow in the footsteps of Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay (Both Napoli), each of who have won major trophies since swapping British football for Serie A.

Youssoufa Moukoko – Borussia Dortmund to FC Copenhagen

Youssoufa Moukoko was projected for big things after bursting onto the scene at Borussia Dortmund. After record-breaking feats at youth level, he became the youngest player and goalscorer in Bundesliga history.

A bright start for Moukoko fizzled out, however, with the striker loaned to Nice last season after falling out of favour. This summer, Dortmund allowed the 20-year-old to leave for Copenhagen in a cut-price €5m deal.

He’s scored once in five appearances to date, as he looks to avoid becoming tagged with the failed wonderkid label.

Tyler Morton – Liverpool to Lyon

Despite interest from the Premier League and Championship, Tyler Morton has made the move to Ligue 1.

The 22-year-old has joined Lyon from Liverpool for a fee that could reach around £15m, with the Reds retaining a 20% sell-on clause.

A member of England’s victorious side at this summer’s u-21 European Championship, the midfielder signs for a Lyon side who will play Europa League football this season.

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