A Euro football transfer window like no other

Saudi Arabia, Messi and how the 2023 transfer window has becomea saga of midfielders and sportswashing

- Nitin Sreedhar

August has started and the European football transfer window is approaching the business end of proceedings. While many clubs have been steadily concluding deals as pre-season chugs along, some transfers are still up in the air.

England striker Harry Kane's future at Tottenham remains in the balance, while France star Kylian Mbappé continues to toy with Paris Saint Germain (PSG). But that's not all. Major clubs across Europe-and Saudi Arabia-have been among the headlines, making it one of the more interesting, and divisive, transfer windows in recent times.

REAL MADRID'S NEW LOOK

Real Madrid have made some of the biggest moves in La Liga so far in the transfer window, both in terms of incomings and departures. The biggest departure is that of French striker Karim Benzema, who has joined Saudi Pro league side Al-Ittihad. The 35-year-old joined Madrid in the summer of 2009 from French club Lyon and went on to score 354 goals in all competitions and winning 25 major trophies.

Madrid also cut their losses on Eden Hazard, whose spell in the Spanish capital has not worked out at all. The situation is so bleak that he is reportedly considering retirement from the game at just 32.

But Madrid have also invested in their future this transfer window with two key midfield acquisitions, including the transfer of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from German club Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham, at just 20, is one of the most sought-after midfielders in football. Madrid have handed Bellingham the number 5 jersey, which was once worn by Zinedine Zidane.

Turkish wünderkind Arda Güler has also been signed from Fenerbahçe. The 18-year-old prodigy has been tied down to a six-year contract.

MESSI LANDS IN MIAMI