Hardly anyone would have expected Bayern star Niklas Süle to join BVB in the summer. However, the bookmakers have probably been wrong more often this season. We take a look at the seven most surprising transfers of the season and come across world stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
- James Rodríguez – Everton to Al-Rayyan SC
Somehow, it’s always a bit of a shame when such outstanding players as James Rodríguez end up in Qatar. In his heyday, the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid kicker was one of the most spectacular players in Europe. The only thing that always seemed to be lacking was the right attitude.
In Qatar, the Colombian certainly won’t find a cold winter, but he will be bouncing around in the void with Al-Rayyan SC from a sporting point of view. The 30-year-old could definitely have gotten more out of his career.
- Chris Wood – Burnley to Newcastle United
The fact that Newcastle United have signed attacker Chris Wood is perhaps not such a big surprise. However, the terms of the transfer are even more so. The fact that the nouveau riche and relegation-threatened Premier League club spent 30 million euros on the 30-year-old is quite absurd.
Although the New Zealander has amply demonstrated in his career that he knows where the goal is, he only scored three goals for Burnley FC in the first half of the season. In view of the fact that the player is now one of the older professionals, the transfer is altogether suspect.
- Ricardo Pepi – FC Dallas to FC Augsburg
The name Ricardo Pepi first appeared in the media when FC Bayern showed interest in the 19-year-old attacker. This did not come as a surprise, especially since Pepi is one of the outstanding talents from the USA and played for Munich’s partner club FC Dallas.
The surprise was all the greater when Pepi joined FC Augsburg in the winter. FCA paid a good 16 million euros for the talented striker, which doesn’t really suit the modest Bundesliga club, which is also in a relegation battle.
However, the American is not only expected to be a sporting asset, but also to open up the American market. This is not an unwise move, but it is undoubtedly risky.
- Florian Thauvin – Olympique Marseille to Tigres UANL
Flaurian Thauvin was one of the best wingers in Ligue 1 for years. The Frenchman played 281 games for Olympique Marseille and marked a strong 147 scorer points. The 29-year-old has not been linked with even bigger clubs for nothing over the years. Among other things, there was once speculation about a Thauvin move to Munich or Leverkusen.
Last summer, however, the fine technician landed unexpectedly in Mexico. Since then, the Frenchman has been playing for Tigres UANL and is still tied to last year’s World Cup finalists until 2026.
- Luuk de Jong – FC Sevilla to Barca
FC Barcelona drew attention in recent months mainly with a rapidly growing mountain of debt. The transfer of Luuk de Jong a little born of necessity, especially since Sergio Agüero had to tragically end his career due to heart problems.
But what is a forward edge like Luuk de Jong supposed to do in the Catalans’ fine and technically highly demanding flat passing game? As was to be expected, the Dutchman brought no added value and looked like a foreign body in the game. This should have been known earlier. The transfer made no sense from the start.
- Niklas Süle – FC Bayern to BVB
When it became clear that Niklas Süle was leaving FC Bayern, everyone immediately thought of a move to the Premier League. After all, the 26-year-old had often stated that this was one of his childhood dreams. All the more surprising, then, was the news that the international would be joining BVB, of all clubs.
Sportingly, the change represents a deterioration and also in terms of salary, the central defender is unlikely to make any progress. However, Süle explained his appearance by saying that he felt welcome at BVB as a player and as a person.
- Lionel Messi – Barca to PSG
Lionel Messi moved from Argentina to FC Barcelona when he was still just a toddler. Even if he is physically still one of the smallest players, he is athletically one of the greatest football players of all time. In a Catalan shirt, Messi has scored 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games. A record that still leaves you in awe.
Seeing the superstar in a different jersey seems somehow wrong, even a good six months after his move to Paris Saint-Germain. FC Barcelona, on the other hand, notices all the more clearly that the club legend is no longer on board.
If you like to follow latest soccer news and betting tips, then follow InfoStriker. InfoStriker.com is one of the best sites in Nigeria which compares live odds and shows soccer score 24/7. You can also read unbiased bookmaker reviews there.