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Under the radar
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While many of the headlines have been dominated by blockbuster deals and rumours, plenty of shrewd and intriguing moves have slipped quietly under the radar this week. Beyond the spotlight of superstar arrivals, clubs across Europe have been strengthening smartly - finding value in overlooked markets, and taking calculated gambles on untapped potential. These aren’t the transfers that crash servers or trend worldwide, but they could prove just as decisive once the season kicks off. Transfermarkt highlights eight of the most interesting signings from the past week that you may have missed - but should not ignore.
Eight transfers you might have missed this week
Noah Okafor – AC Milan ➝ Leeds United (€19m)
Swiss international Noah Okafor left AC Milan for Leeds United, in a move that could give the promoted side a huge attacking boost. Signed by Milan from RB Salzburg in 2023, the 25-year-old forward struggled to nail down a starting spot at San Siro, but showed flashes of his pace, versatility, and direct running in Serie A and in the Champions League. For Leeds, Okafor represents both a statement signing and a player capable of operating across the front line - whether stretching defences out wide or playing centrally as a goalscoring outlet.
Amine Adli – Bayer Leverkusen ➝ Bournemouth (€21m)
Bournemouth pulled off what could be a clever piece of business themselves by snapping up Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen. At Leverkusen, Adli often found himself competing for minutes in a stacked attacking unit, but still showed his trademark speed, pressing intensity, and ability to carry the ball at pace. For Bournemouth, his versatility across the front line could prove invaluable, giving Andoni Iraola another dynamic option who could fit seamlessly into his high-energy system. It’s a move that hasn’t grabbed headlines, but Adli’s profile suggests he could quickly become a fan favourite on the South Coast.
James McAtee – Manchester City ➝ Nottingham Forest (€25m)
Nottingham Forest continued their push for creative reinforcements with the capture of James McAtee from Manchester City. The 22-year-old midfielder, dubbed the “Salford Silva” during his youth days, impressed on loan at Sheffield United with his technical ability, close control, and knack for arriving in dangerous areas, and in his limited minutes for City last term, looked bright. Despite being highly rated, regular minutes were always going to be hard to come by at the Etihad, making a permanent move the logical next step. For Forest, McAtee offers guile and vision in attacking midfield - qualities that could help unlock stubborn defences and bring more balance to their attacking play.
Dorgeles Nene – RB Salzburg ➝ Fenerbahçe (€18m)
Fenerbahçe’s ambitious summer continued with the addition of Dorgeles Nene from RB Salzburg, a move that hasn’t made major waves but could prove astute. The Malian forward was one of the Austrian Bundesliga’s most exciting young attackers, combining flair, close control, and a knack for creating chances from wide areas. At Salzburg, Nene was part of the club’s conveyor belt of talent, but Fenerbahçe’s offer of more regular first-team football in a title-challenging side may accelerate his development. For the Turkish giants, it’s a signing that adds youthful unpredictability to an already experienced squad.
Sverre Nypan – Manchester City ➝ Middlesbrough (loan)
One of Norway’s brightest prospects, Sverre Nypan, will spend the 2025/26 season on loan at Middlesbrough after joining Manchester City earlier this summer. The young midfielder has already built a reputation for his vision, passing range, and maturity beyond his years, catching the eye during his breakout spell at Rosenborg before making the leap to the Premier League champions. For City, a loan move offers him valuable minutes in a competitive environment, while for Boro it’s a chance to add a creative spark capable of dictating games in the Championship. It may not have made the front pages, but this is the kind of quietly shrewd deal that could benefit all parties.
Ben Doak – Liverpool ➝ Bournemouth (€23.2m)
Bournemouth have secured the signing of Scottish winger Ben Doak from Liverpool, handing one of Britain’s most exciting young talents a platform for regular first-team football. The 19-year-old arrived at Anfield from Celtic in 2022 and quickly made waves in Liverpool’s academy with his explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and direct attacking style. While senior minutes were limited under Jürgen Klopp, Doak showed enough in cup outings to hint at his potential. For Bournemouth, If he adapts quickly, this under-the-radar signing could become one of the Cherries’ most exciting attacking weapons.
Arnaud Kalimuendo – Stade Rennes ➝ Nottingham Forest (€30m)
Nottingham Forest have bolstered their attack further with the signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo from Stade Rennes, adding an attacker with a proven track record in Ligue 1. The 23-year-old, a product of PSG’s academy, has built his reputation on clever movement, sharp finishing, and the ability to operate both as a central forward and in wider roles. While not always prolific in France, Kalimuendo’s all-round game and link-up play make him a valuable asset for a Forest side looking for greater consistency in front of goal. It’s the kind of move that slipped under the radar amid bigger Premier League signings, but Kalimuendo could quietly become a key figure at the City Ground this season.
Miguel Gutiérrez – Girona ➝ Napoli (€18m)
Napoli have moved smartly to secure Miguel Gutiérrez from Girona, adding one of LaLiga’s standout young left-backs to their title-winning squad. The 23-year-old Spaniard, a product of Real Madrid’s academy, was a key figure in Girona’s historic Champions League qualification, impressing with his marauding runs, sharp delivery from wide areas, and composure in possession. For Napoli, Gutiérrez not only strengthens a position of need but also represents a long-term investment, with the potential to become a cornerstone of their backline. While not the kind of blockbuster deal that dominates headlines, this transfer could quietly prove one of the most impactful in Serie A.
