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#3 Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich
The immense wealth of world-class attacking talent at Pep's disposal was too good to last a long time. Leroy Sane was excellent for Manchester City in the 2017-18 season, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award but had to compete with Raheem Sterling for a starting spot.
His form suffered subsequently but he came close to joining Bayern Munich for a reported £100 million in the summer of 2019. However, he suffered a torn ACL in what was supposed to be his final game for Manchester City and the move fell apart. Sane's contract at Manchester City would have run its course in 2021 and as such, this summer, the Cityzens were keen to cash in on him.
So Bayern Munich got their man for €49 million, less than half of what they were willing to pay for him last summer. Sane is now viewed as a long-term replacement to the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
#2 James Rodriguez to Everton
James Rodriguez was the star of 2014 FIFA World Cup and Real Madrid signed him up immediately for a €75 million. After impressing initially, his form faded and given how rich Real Madrid were in the midfield department, they did not take kindly to Rodriguez's dip in form.
The Colombian subsequently had a largely impressive 2-year loan spell at Bayern Munich under Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti, who is now the Everton manager, is well aware of Rodriguez's talent and wanted to build his team around a creative playmaker.
To land James Rodriguez for €23 million is an absolute bargain and Rodriguez has already shown signs of being one of the standout performers of this season. The Toffees remain undefeated so far this season and it is no small part thanks to James Rodriguez excellent performances.
#1 Achraf Hakimi to Inter Milan
At times, it is very hard to make sense of the the way that Real Madrid do business in the transfer market. It is uncertain what else Hakimi could have done during his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund to convince the Real Madrid bosses to keep him at the club.
Hakimi was one of Borussia Dortmund's best players last season and has the quality to walk into the playing XIs of several European giants. However, Real Madrid could not guarantee Achraf Hakimi a starting berth and a player of his quality shouldn't really settle for any less.
Props to Inter Milan for showing up on time to strike a cut-price deal though. They were able to sign one of the best full-backs in the world for €40 million and he should fit seamlessly into Antonio Conte's system at Inter Milan.
