Transfer Window 2011/12: Top 10 Summer Transfers

As the summer transfer window concludes let us look back at the best signings of the summer. In picking this list, I have considered a combination of the price, the age and the footballing impact these new arrivals may make to their new teams.

There are some great signings who did not make the cut, mainly for the fact that there were only 10 spots up for grabs.

In fact, this list is so open to the readers opinion and feedback that it may even be edited if plausible reasons are provided for the same, as there is no definitive way of judging the value of a signing.

10. Diego Forlan (Inter Milan)

Fresh off his brace in the final of Uruguay's 15th winning effort at the 2011 Copa America, Forlan admittedly now 32, has joined Inter in a deal worth just £4.4 million.

He is proven goal scorer who has twice won the European Golden Boot and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball for the best player at the tournament.

Inter have signed him as replacement for Samuel Eto'o and will hope this turns to be a typically astute bit of business.   

9. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)

Atletico Madrid signed goal machine Radamel Falcao for £34.7 to replace Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan.

In his time with Porto this gifted striker scored 73 goals in 84 games for Porto in all competitions and is renowned for his clinical goalscoring and heading ability.

Linked with a whole host of clubs in Europe after his exploits with Porto, Falcao is set to make a big impact in his first season in La Liga.

8. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Signed for £16 million from FC Schalke, the new Bayern Munich and current Germany No. 1 Manuel Neuer is set make those goalkeeping positions his own at least for the next decade.

He is widely regarded as the best young goalkeeping prospect in the world along with David De Gea and has a bright future ahead if him. With Schalke, Neuer was exceptional both in the Bundesliga and the Champions League showing what the fuss is all about.

7. Bojan Krkic (AS Roma)

Unlucky not to make the cut at Barcelona, Bojan signed for a revitalised AS Roma in a £10.4 million deal which may prove to be the signing of the season in Serie A.

Barcelona inserted an option to buy back the rights of the player at the end of the 2011-2012 or 2012-2013 season, for £14.8m and £11.3m respectively. This innovative deal set a precedent for big clubs having to let promising youngster go without losing them for the future.

6. Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Just signed from Valencia in a £23.5 Million deal, Juan Mata will add much needed width and flair to an aging Chelsea squad. Only 23, he may just be the catalyst to help Fernando Torres rediscover form and help new manager Andre Villas Boas be successful.

Mata is versatile player who can score and provide assists in equal measure and is sure to add a cutting edge to Chelsea, who last year were devoid of that to an extent.

5. Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona)

Wanted by Manchester United, Inter Milan, Juventus & Chelsea the Chilean international signed for current European champions Barcelona in a £33 million deal from Udinese.

Still only 22, Alexis Sanchez is direct, rapid, skillful and possesses fantastic work rate for the team. In a team with a plethora of stars expect Sanchez to continue his improvement and development to become a future La Liga.    

4. Francesc Fabregas (Barcelona)

The longest transfer saga of the summer concluded with Barcelona finally getting their man for £34 million. A former product of the Barca academy expect him to settle like a duck in water and provide vision, intricate passing and tactical maturity way beyond his age.

Between 2006-07 to 2010-11, Fabregas created the most assists in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France leagues illustrating why Josep Guardiola, despite having Xavi and Iniesta in the centre was desperate to acquire his services.

3. Samir Nasri (Manchester City)

Samir Nasri is a proven entity in the English Premier League and arrives after his best season with Arsenal scoring 15 goals and 5 assists from midfield.

The 24-year old French international signed for Manchester City for a fee reported to be worth £24 million and was in the last year of his contract with the Gunners.

Nasri is blessed with fantastic close control dribbling, dazzling skill and the ability to play with both feet and will be a great addition for City.

2. Nuri Sahin (Real Madrid)

At £8.5 Million and still only 22 years old, Nuri Sahin is an unbelievable coup and the bargain signing of the season.

Voted the best player in Germany last season, he was instrumental in firing Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title.

The Real Madrid squad has three players of Turkish decent who also moved from the Bundesliga so that will help him settle in. Sahin brings technical quality, skill and an incisiveness to the Madrid midfield.

1. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

The highest transfer fee paid this summer, Sergio Aguero moved from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City in a £38 million deal.

The 23-year old Argentine international is the total package; pace, technique, skill and a clinical finisher.

"Kun" Aguero is set to take the English Premier League by storm this season and may be the signing required to take City to the next level domestically and in what will be there first foray into the Champions League.