Ranking the 5 most unexpected transfers this year (2021)

#3 Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Sergio Ramos was one of Paris Saint-Germain's many additions from this summer's transfer window.

Having signed for Real Madrid in 2005, Ramos enjoyed a long and successful career with Los Blancos. During his 16 years with the club, he won pretty much every trophy for club and country.

A Galactico through and through, many expected him to retire with Real Madrid. Ramos' success with the club was unparalleled by all standards of comparison.

He won five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and a stunning four UEFA Champions League titles with the club. A key member of the Madrid defense, Ramos built quite the reputation for being a successful leader.

It seemed almost impossible that Madrid would sell both their marquee defenders within the same window. That's exactly what happened, though, with Ramos joining Paris Saint-Germain in a historic window for the French outfit.

Ramos is yet to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain.

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#2 Cristiano Ronaldo | Juventus to Manchester United

Manchester United v Everton - Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United was one for the headlines.

When the transfer window opened, nobody expected Ronaldo to come back to Old Trafford. The Portuguese had just won the Serie A Golden Boot with Juventus and seemed ready to lead the title charge against reigning champions Inter Milan.

As the window progressed, Ronaldo was linked with moves to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The two clubs stood out as frontrunners to sign Ronaldo, partly due to his massive wages.

Reports soon broke out, confirming that Ronaldo was on a plane to Manchester. While everyone expected Ronaldo to sign with Manchester City, it was confirmed soon after that he had agreed a late deal to join Manchester United.

Within the space of two hours, United fans experienced both ends of the emotional spectrum. Ronaldo's return came as a massive delight to United fans worldwide, with the club selling a reported 400,000 Ronaldo jerseys.

Ronaldo's 'homecoming' has been described as the biggest move of the summer. He has hit the ground running in England, already racking up five goals in six appearances for the Red Devils.

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#1 Lionel Messi | Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City: Group A - UEFA Champions League

On August 10, 2021, Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in what went down as one of the most shocking transfers in football history.

A Barcelona player through-and-through, Messi made his debut in 2004 and spent 17 long years at the Camp Nou. Almost synonymous with the club, Messi enjoyed widespread success during his career with the Blaugrana.

His numbers at the club speak for themselves. Messi scored 672 goals and provided 301 assists for Barcelona in 778 club appearances. He won a massive 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles as well.

For a player so intertwined with the club and its culture, it seemed impossible that Messi would ever leave. Barcelona were ultimately forced to part ways with Messi in an attempt to balance the books and prevent the club from going defunct.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Messi ultimately parted ways with his childhood club in an emotional manner and flew to France to sign with Paris Saint-Germain. At 34 years of age, it's likely that Messi will only be around for another two or three years.