Summer transfer window 2026: Dumfries, Lewandowski and Ramos headline the under-the-radar moves | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America inevitably dominated the headlines in the football universe this summer.

Several high-profile transfers also garnered plenty of interest, particularly in the Premier League, where clubs are spending money as if it is going out of fashion.

Morgan Rogers’ move from Aston Villa to Chelsea was one of the top Premier League transfers completed in recent weeks.

However, there have been plenty of other under-the-radar moves over the past few weeks. Read on as we look at some of the most noteworthy deals.

Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan to Real Madrid

Madrid signed Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter on a four-year deal. His arrival cranks up the pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Dumfries helped Inter win the Serie A title twice and the Coppa Italia three times after joining the Italian club from PSV Eindhoven in 2021.

The 30-year-old is the archetypal Jose Mourinho signing – consistent and hard-working. He should be a big hit with Los Blancos.

Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona to Chicago Fire

Robert Lewandowski followed up a glittering spell with Bayern Munich by winning three La Liga titles in four seasons with Barcelona.

The 37-year-old is still in great shape and should flourish with Chicago Fire in the calmer waters of Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Polish star should prove to be a shrewd signing for Chicago, and it would be no surprise if he helped them make a deep run in the end-of-season play-offs.

Nathaniel Brown – Eintracht Frankfurt to Bayern Munich

Nathaniel Brown was part of a German squad that made an early exit from the World Cup this summer, but his performances still caught the eye.

Brown was strongly linked with a move elsewhere ahead of the tournament and ultimately agreed a deal to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

With Raphael Guerreiro leaving and Alphonso Davies still recovering from injury, the 23-year-old has a golden opportunity to secure a regular place in Bayern’s starting XI.

Hayden Hackney – Middlesbrough to Everton

Everton beat off competition from several clubs to sign midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for £16 million plus add-ons.

In a market where fees for midfield players have spiralled out of control, the Toffees’ investment in Hackney could be one of the shrewdest moves of the summer.

The 2025/26 Championship player of the season scored 16 goals in 154 appearances for Boro and has the ability to thrive under manager David Moyes.

Mathys Detourbet – Troyes to Manchester City

Elliot Anderson’s £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City is a perfect example of the overly inflated nature of the transfer market at the moment.

The transfer completely overshadowed City’s acquisition of teenage winger Mathys Detourbet from Troyes, and it will be intriguing to see which deal offers the best value for money.

The 19-year-old helped Troyes win the Ligue 2 title last year and will now have the chance to shine in the French top flight after being loaned to Monaco.

Goncalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain to Milan

AC Milan broke their club-record transfer fee when they paid £60.2m to sign Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of June.

He scored 45 goals in 131 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, helping them win three Ligue 1 titles. Ramos also claimed two Champions League winners’ medals.

After being limited to a substitute role with PSG, the 25-year-old will be Milan manager Ruben Amorim’s number one choice in attack.