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#3 David Alaba (€55m) to Real Madrid
In a rather uneventful transfer window according to their standards, Real Madrid managed to successfully pull off a major coup by signing David Alaba on a free transfer. While the combined departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane completely obliterated Los Blancos' backline, Alaba's arrival will bring some much-needed solidity to their defence.
Having spent all of his years as a professional footballer, contracted to Bayern Munich, the Austrian stalwart departed Germany after 13 years of loyal service to the Bavarians. While Real Madrid did land Alaba on a free transfer, he will reportedly earn €115m during the course of his five-year deal.
The two-time Champions League winner will prove to be an essential cog in Carlo Ancelotti's squad with Real Madrid currently possessing minimal depth at the back.
At 29, Alaba has a lot to offer to the Spanish giants, with his versatility enabling him to play as a left-back as well. With no transfer fee included in this deal, Real Madrid have managed to add an established defender to their ranks, exuding an astute business sense.
#2 Gianluigi Donnarumma (€60m) to PSG
An absolute shocker of a move, Gianluigi Donnarumma's free transfer to PSG baffled everyone in the footballing world, especially the Milan faithful. The Italian prodigy was always touted for a move away from the San Siro, ever since he made his debut in 2015. However, everyone expected the involved transfer fee to be monumental, not free.
Aged 22, Donnarumma has more than 280 appearances for both club and country under his belt. Considered to be a baby in goalkeeping years, the Naples-born wonderkid already displays the class and maturity of a seasoned shot-stopper. Due to his splendid performances at Euro 2020, Donnarumma was granted the player of the tournament award.
Refusing to sign a contract extension with his parent club AC Milan, Donnarumma was at the center of multiple transfer bids this summer but ended up choosing Paris.
Although he is yet to make an appearance for the French giants, his signing looks to be a masterstroke pulled by Nasser Al-Khelaifi and his board. With Keylor Navas already on their books, PSG arguably possess the best quality between the sticks in all of Europe.
#1 Lionel Messi (€80m) to PSG
The Ligue 1 mainstays completed a game of astute acquisitions by announcing the signing of Lionel Messi from Barcelona on a free transfer this summer. After 21 years of relentless service, La Pulga was forced to bid a tearful farewell to his childhood club due to financial restrictions imposed upon Barcelona by La Liga.
A record number of six Ballon d'Ors, 672 goals, 305 assists and a hoard of records later, Messi finally departed Catalonia earlier this summer. Spotting the opportunity of a lifetime, PSG wasted no time in persuading the Argentine magician to sign on the dotted line for them. Fortunately for the Parisians, they had Messi's best mate Neymar on their payroll to bolster their bid.
In a sensational turn of events, Lionel Messi arrived in Paris on the 10th of August to complete his fated move. He made his PSG debut against Reims, coming on as a 66th-minute substitute for Neymar.
With his current contract running until 2023, plus an option to extend for one year, the 'goat' has plenty of time to wreak havoc in the French top-flight and add another set of records to his name.
Also read: Ranking 5 clubs with the best transfer window in La Liga
