European Transfer News: The 13 Most Important Deals of the Summer

Another summer transfer window and more crazy and hectic football business, albeit, no new record transfer fees were set this summer by Real Madrid or any other club for that matter.

However, we were still constantly badgered and annoyed with the sagas of Wesley Sneijder and Cesc Fabregas. Ultimately, Fabregas completed his return to Barcelona, making him one of the marquis signings of the summer.

The Wesley Sneijder transfer rumours were quite frustrating from a Red Devils supporter's point of view, even though Mario Gotze seems a bitter fit and bargain for United. Every day, new reports were contradicting the previous days reports, either claiming United were interested and Inter were not willing to sell, or vice versa. Finally, a report claimed that United would not sign Sneijder, yet speculation continues for whatever reason.

Despite these two popular stories, many other teams signed very important players for their 2011-12 campaigns in a much more private manner. Without further ado, here are the 13 most important deals of the 2011 summer transfer window thus far.

Sergio Aguero to Manchester City

2010-11 Team: Atletico Madrid

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 41 (27)

With the Carlos Tevez transfer saga hovering over Manchester City for much of this summer, many of City's supporters were relieved when the club signed Argentine sensation Sergio "Kun" Aguero. Aguero played for Argentina this summer in the Copa America and was one of his country's few bright spots.

Aguero gives City a stable and consistent front-man that can score goals with regularity. His goal-scoring record of the past four seasons speaks for itself, as Aguero has netted 20-plus goals four years running.

Following his debut heroics that lead to the Argentine scoring twice and assisting David Silva's goal, "Kun" established himself as a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium.

Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona

2010-11 Club: Arsenal

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 35 (9)

The Cesc Fabregas transfer feud between the Gunners and the Catalan Conquerors was the most annoying piece of football business this summer. Most people knew that Arsene Wenger would almost be forced to give in to Barcelona's demands because a disgruntled player is not worth keeping at the club, no matter how good he is.

Fabregas is an important signing for Pep Guardiola side because he will allow Iniesta and Xavi breathers on occasion. With Xavi hindered this preseason with his Achillies tendon injury, Fabregas could be a major player for the Catalan's in 2011-12.

 One thing I cannot see is Fabregas being a member of Barcelona's starting XI. There is no way he could possibly start over defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets. Or is there? Only time will tell.

David De Gea to Manchester United

2010-11 Club: Atletico Madrid

2010-11 Appearances: 49

Despite two forgetful matches to start his career with Manchester United, David de Gea will be poised to replace the shoes of legendary Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar in 2011-12. Although De Gea has turned in two subpar performances, the Red Devils have still managed to win both matches.

 The 20-year-old Spain U-21 international is still learning on the job. After United's first Premier League win versus West Bromwich Albion, Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to defend his young keeper.

"

"We lost a goal which David should have done better with.

"It was just a bit of concentration there but welcome to English football. He came in for it in the second half and I thought he should have been protected more by the referee, but it was a good experience for him.

"It's all a learning process."

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Jordan Henderson to Liverpool

2010-11 Club: Sunderland

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 39 (3)

After making move to Anfield for a reported £20 million, Henderson was always going to make this list. The England U-21 international is a solid player, but he does not possess that "wow" factor that most 20 million signings have.  

Nonetheless, if Liverpool are going to challenge for a place in the top four, Henderson must come through with clutch big game performances for the Merseysiders.

Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona

2010-11 Club: Udinese

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 33 (12)

Sanchez's move to Catalonia proves that the rich do indeed get richer. The Chilean winger is a perfect fit to enter Pep Guardiola's 4-3-3 potent formation.

He was selected over Pedro for the Catalan's match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the first leg of the Spanish Supercup this past weekend, and is in line to take the job from the Spanish international.

The Chilean is coming off an impressive performance in the Copa America for Chile and has been dubbed to being the next Cristiano Ronaldo. I find that a rather bold and optimistic statement, but only time will tell.

Jeremy Toulalan to Malaga

2010-11 Club: Olympique Lyonnais

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 26 (0)

Despite not being capped for France in 2011, Toulalan still has some great football ahead of him. At 27, he still has a lot to offer Malaga, a side that have high hopes for next season.

The underlining reason that Toulalan makes this list is because his move opened the door for many other notable stars to join Malaga. Amongst those stars are the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Santi Cazorla, Joaquin Sanchez, Nacho Monreal, Martin Demichelis, and Joris Mathijsen.

Javier Pastore to Paris-Saint Germain

2010-11 Club: Palermo

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 44 (14)

In arguably the most shocking move of the summer, Javier Pastore joined PSG, despite heavy interest from Premier League giants Chelsea FC. The Argentine international is the first huge signing by the club since Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling 70 percent of the club in May 2011.

Pastore gives Les Parisiens one of the most creative young midfield stars in world football. He is coming off a tremendous season in Italy PSG are keen on the playmaker leading their attack in 2011-12 in an attempt to dethrone current Ligue 1 champions Lille OSC.

Fabio Coentrao to Real Madrid

2010-11 Club: Benfica

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 44 (5)

Even though many have criticized the signing of Coentrao, I think by mid-season he will established himself in Los Blancos starting XI. He does have many similarities with Brazilian left-back Marcelo, but what sets himself apart is his ability to defend.

Both Marcelo and Coentrao are former wingers, but the latter has a much better ability to defend, position, and mark opposing players. Also, Coentrao is lethal coming forward when he and Cristiano Ronaldo are playing quick one-twos with each other down the left flank.

Santi Cazorla to Malaga

2010-11 Club: Villarreal

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 55 (8)

As I mentioned before, Cazorla arrived at Malaga CF this summer following the club's signing of French defensive midfielder Jeremy Toulalan. Cazorla's move to the Andalusia-based club came rather quickly. In fact, the day prior to him signing with Malaga, Arsenal were reportedly interested in the Spanish midfielder.

Cazorla provides Malaga with a world-class playmaking midfielder who can operate either centrally, or on either wing. His versatility will allow manager Manuel Pellegrini to manipulate the team's formation week in and week out.

Stephan El Shaarawy to AC Milan

2010-11 Club: Calcio Padova (on loan from Genoa)

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 25 (7)

Many of you have probably never seen or heard of Stephan El Shaarawy, but soon enough you will. The Italian starlet was brought to Milan from Genoa to be the heir apparent to the departed Azzurri legend Andea Pirlo. So I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that El Shaarawy has big shoes to fill at the San Siro.

 El Shaarawy provides Milan with a fresh young talent with electric pace to burn and the guile and trickery to unlock Serie A defences. El Shaarawy may not break into the starting XI in 2011-12, but he will provide the Serie A champions with a fantastic option off the bench.

Arturo Vidal to Juventus

2010-11 Club: Bayer Leverkusen

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 33 (11)

Vidal transferred to Italian giants Juventus following an impressive Copa America with Chile. Vidal will take the place of Brazilian international Felipe Melo in Juve's central midfield, following Melo's loan move to Turkey's Galatasaray.

Vidal gives Juventus a much needed boost in the midfield. He is an enforcer in the centre of the pitch and also possesses great passing skill for a defensive midfielder.

Maarten Stekelenburg to Roma

2010-11 Club: AFC Ajax

2010-11 Appearances: 43

Stekelenburg was without a doubt the best bargain buy of the summer. He cost AS Roma a meager €6 million, while 20-year-old goalkeeper David de Gea cost Manchester United upwards of €20 million.

The Dutch successor to Edwin van der Saar is a two-time Ajax Player of the Year (2008, 2011). He appeared in 43 games for Ajax in 2010-11, and his biggest howler of the season happened off the pitch when he dropped Eredivisie trophy during the club's celebratory parade.

Samir Nasri to Manchester City

2010-11 Club: Arsenal

2010-11 Appearances (Goals): 46 (15)

I saved Nasri for last because despite the fact that his transfer is not official, it looks as if Arsenal are set to lose the Frenchman to Manchester City. If the deal goes through, Nasri would drastically improve City's midfield, with Gareth Barry making way for Nasri enter the picture.

The move would allow Nigel De Jong to play just in front of Kompany and Lescott or Kolo Toure, and it would give Yaya Toure the freedom to link up with both David Silva and Nasri.

If City decide to play with De Jong, Toure, Nasri, and Silva in the midfield, it'll be tough for any team in England, or better yet Europe, to beat them.