Summer's Most Shocking Football Transfers That Flew Under the Radar

The 2025 summer transfer period has emerged as truly exceptional, packed with remarkable activity throughout global football.

Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Viktor Gyökeres, Trent Alexander-Arnold...the roster of major signings continues extensively. Nevertheless, not every move received equal attention during this window.

Many significant deals remained largely unnoticed within this hectic business period, with several former superstars embarking on fresh journeys.

Below are eight notable transfers that may have escaped your attention during the mayhem.

Jamie Vardy: Free Agent to Cremonese

Many anticipated Jamie Vardy would retire after his remarkable tenure with Leicester City reached its natural end last season, but the energy drink-loving 38-year-old had different plans. Potential moves within Britain and to America were discussed, but the forward ultimately landed in Italy.

Vardy has joined Serie A promoted side Cremonese, who secured advancement from the second tier last campaign. He's linking up with a team that has already defeated Milan and Sassuolo this season, and he'll be counted on to help secure their top-flight status.

It's a Football Manager-style move that we completely endorse.

Roberto Firmino: Al Ahli to Al Sadd

Roberto Firmino didn't ignite the Saudi Pro League after his Liverpool departure in 2023, though he still produced decent statistics for Al Ahli. He accumulated 38 goal contributions over two seasons but has gradually faded from public attention in a less prestigious league.

While the switch to Qatari club Al Sadd won't likely return him to the spotlight, it does represent a continuation of an impressive career. He's already scored his debut goal and provided an assist for the team while securing another lucrative contract.

Alexis Sanchez: Udinese to Sevilla

Alexis Sánchez remains active at 36 years old and has just signed with his tenth different professional club. After establishing himself at Udinese, he recently returned to the Italian outfit following stints at Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter and Marseille, but has now brought his skills back to Spain.

Sánchez joined Sevilla for the upcoming season on a free transfer following an underwhelming return to Udine, linking up with other experienced players like César Azpilicueta and Nemanja Gudelj. He'll be looking to net his first competitive club goal since April 1, 2024.

Olivier Giroud: LAFC to Lille

Olivier Giroud's time with LAFC was short-lived and ultimately disappointing, with the 38-year-old marksman choosing to return to his homeland France in an attempt to regain his form. He's certainly achieved that early in his Lille stint, finding the net in two of their first three Ligue 1 fixtures as he aims to replace Jonathan David's scoring contribution.

He will encounter strong competition for a starting position from Hamza Igamane following his transfer from Rangers, particularly considering the Morocco striker scored twice on his debut in a 7–1 triumph over Lorient. However, a substitute role could perfectly suit Giroud's veteran physique.

Mateo Retegui: Atalanta to Al Qadsiah

Mateo Retegui concluded 2024–25 as Serie A's leading goalscorer after a 25-goal season with Atalanta, making his Saudi Arabia transfer somewhat unexpected. Al Qadsiah invested £67 million (including bonuses) in the Italy striker, who has already found the net twice since relocating to the Middle East.

At only 26, it's conceivable that Retegui has capitalized financially by moving to the Saudi Pro League only to potentially return to Europe's top divisions later, though he certainly won't be challenging himself against the world's finest defenses in the immediate future.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Al Qadsiah to Marseille

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang surpasses fellow former Arsenal player Sánchez in terms of clubs represented throughout a stellar career, with Al Qadsiah marking his 11th employer. However, with Retegui arriving as his successor, the Gabon striker chose to rejoin one of his previous teams this summer.

Marseille, who benefited from Aubameyang's 30 goals in 2023–24, have welcomed back the 36-year-old, who still possesses impressive pace and sharp finishing ability. He's already scored twice upon his Ligue 1 return, with many more goals expected throughout the campaign.

Ángel Di María: Benfica to Rosario Central

Ángel Di María said goodbye to his cherished Benfica following the summer's FIFA Club World Cup, but his farewell tour isn't complete yet. After a second period with the Portuguese club, he's chosen another stint at childhood team Rosario Central upon returning to Argentina.

The slender 37-year-old remains as inventive as ever and has scored three goals in his first seven matches during his reunion with Rosario Central. Time is running out for Di María, but he's positioned to savor one final chapter back where his journey began.

Renato Sanches: PSG to Panathinaikos

Renato Sanches's career has undoubtedly not unfolded as expected. The former Benfica wonderkid has struggled to fulfill the enormous expectations surrounding him from an early age, with periods at Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain proving disappointing.

The midfielder remains under contract with the European champions but hasn't appeared for them since the 2022–23 season, spending time on loan at Roma and Benfica. Now, he's dropped further down Europe's pecking order by signing with Panathinaikos for the current campaign.

The Greek club represents his seventh team at just 28 years old.