We take a look at the finest attacking midfield signings to have been made this summer.
After the performances of the likes of James Rodriguez and Neymar at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the attacking midfielder’s position as the most loved position in modern football has been well and truly confirmed.
Clubs across Europe have been scrambling to try and bring in the game’s finest number tens this summer, with La Liga and the Premier League both having been at the forefront of the race for the attacking midfielders.
We’ve taken a look at the ten best attacking midfielders who have been on the move in this transfer window.
James Rodriguez (AS Monaco to Real Madrid)
Perhaps the defining attacking midfielder of the 2014 FIFA World Cup was Colombian star James Rodriguez, who has been rewarded for his golden boot-winning displays with a £63m move to Real Madrid.
The former FC Porto man, who only moved to AS Monaco last summer, is likely to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in a mouth-watering attacking midfield trio.
Adam Lallana (Southampton to Liverpool)
The rise of Adam Lallana has been a particularly sharp one, with the Southampton man, who was playing in League One not all that long ago, now having moved to Liverpool for a fee in excess of £20m.
Lallana should compliment fellow attacking midfield Philippe Coutinho as Brendan Rodgers looks to build a side capable of dealing with life after Luis Suarez.
Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona to Arsenal)
One of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer has been Arsenal’s capture of winger Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, with the Chilean signing for £35m on the back of a fine World Cup for his country.
The former Udinese man is one of the finest attacking talents in Europe and should prove to be a hugely influential player for the Gunners.
Juan Iturbe (Hellas Verona to AS Roma)
Serie A runners-up AS Roma have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they look to challenge Juventus next season, signing Argentinian winger Juan Iturbe for £17.4m from divisional rivals Hellas Verona.
Iturbe enjoyed a stunning season on loan at newly promoted Verona FC Porto last season and the Serie A side made his move permanent before selling him for a huge profit to Roma.
Lazar Markovic (Benfica to Liverpool)
One of the players brought to Liverpool by Brendan Rodgers in an attempt to replace Luis Suarez is winger Lazar Markovic, who has joined for £20m from Portuguese side Benfica
The former Partizan Belgrade man is rated as one of Europe’s finest young talents and will be hoping to continue his meteoric rise having arrived at Anfield.
Remy Cabella (Montpellier to Newcastle United)
Newcastle United were able to finally complete their elongated pursuit of French midfielder Remy Cabella from Montpellier this summer, capturing the player for a bargain fee.
One of Ligue 1’s finest creative talents, Cabella will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Yohan Cabaye in making an impression on the Premier League.
Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Despite largely being used in a holding role for Croatia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it was his performances in a more advanced role for Sevilla that persuaded Barcelona to shell out for Ivan Rakitic.
He enjoyed a wonderful season under Unai Emery as Sevilla impressed both domestically and in Europe, where they lifted the 2014 Europa League trophy.
Hakan Calhanoglu (Hamburg to Bayer Leverkusen)
Young playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu was one of few bright sparks in a miserable season for almost-relegated Hamburg and he has been rewarded with a big money move to Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, who will once again be competing in the Champions League next season.
Kaka (AC Milan to Orlando City/Sao Paulo)
Two clubs were able to announce the signing of iconic Brazilian attacking midfielder Kaka this summer, with the veteran leaving Serie A club AC Milan to sign for new MLS franchise Orlando City – but only after a year on loan with Sao Paulo in his native league with his first club.
Kingsley Coman (Paris Saint Germain to Juventus)
Serie A champions Juventus will be hoping to strike gold in the manner of Paul Pogba, having signed France Under 21 international midfielder Kingsley Coman from Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer.
Coman impressed in his few appearances for the Ligue 1 champions last season but has opted to move on in search of more sustained first team opportunities.