The greatest summer transfer Deadline Day deals in European football history

Scott McTominay: Manchester United - Napoli, 2024 (€30.5million)

Unwanted at Old Trafford, loved in Naples, Scott McTominay's impact on Napoli since moving on Deadline Day last summer is nothing short of remarkable.

The bustling midfielder set Serie A alight from the very start. He netted his first goal of the campaign against Palermo in the Coppa Italia before scoring his first in the league soon after.

But it was the importance of his goals that stood out. With Napoli in a title race alongside Inter, he scored in the 23rd minute to earn his side a point before Christmas, a crucial draw for the eventual champions.

He cemented himself in Napoli folklore in April, scoring five goals in three games, as he went on to win his first league title as a player, whilst picking up Serie A's Most Valuable Player award along the way.

He has also grown a specific love for Italy's tomatoes - it's fair to say both parties won in this deal.

Rivaldo: Deportivo La Coruna - Barcelona, 1997 (€23.5m)

Let's go back to 1997 for our next superstar. After making a name for himself at Deportivo, Barca manager Bobby Robson had only one person on his mind to replace Ronaldo, 'O Fenômeno', his compatriot Rivaldo.

The Catalan side didn't even negotiate with their LaLiga rivals, matching his release clause of four billion pesetas - around 23.5 million euros in today's money - to bring him to the Camp Nou.

He would lead his side to the Spanish domestic double in his first season, showcasing skill, flair, and most importantly of all, goals.

A year later, he would win the Ballon d'Or, and he spent a total of five years in Barcelona. He was the pioneer for future players of the club, paving the way for other South American stars like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi to shine in the colours of Barca.

Alessandro Nesta: Lazio - AC Milan, 2002 (€31m)

One of the 21st century's most suave and silky defenders, Alessandro Nesta had already won the lot in Italy with Lazio before joining AC Milan in 2002.

With a Scudetto already under his belt, Lazio were forced to sell him to AC Milan due to severe financial problems, and at the Rossoneri, he would shine.

Partnered with club icon Paulo Maldini and alongside the likes of Cafu, Jaap Stam and Alessandro Costacurta, they would provide the foundations for the team to flourish.

A Champions League crown would come in the first season, as they saw off Juventus in the final. He kept a clean sheet as the final finished goalless, before his side triumphed on penalties.

In the 2003/04 season, AC Milan captured the Serie A crown in a campaign they dominated, setting a points record for a 34-game season with 82.

All in all, Nesta would spend a decade in Milan, making 224 appearances, cementing himself as a club legend in the process.

Wayne Rooney: Everton - Manchester United, 2004 (€37m)

It was inevitable that Wayne Rooney would leave his boyhood club, Everton, for pastures new as a teenager, after he burst onto the scene with a wonderful strike against Arsenal at just 16 years of age.

His move to Manchester United had a lot of hype around it, as he signed for a then-Premier League record fee for players under the age of 20. But, he duly delivered.

On his debut, in the Champions League against Fenerbahce, he scored a hat-trick in a 6-2 win, kick-starting a relationship that would last 13 years. There were ups and downs, with Rooney wanting to quit the club in 2010, but he went on to stay and amass record after record.

He would surpass Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record, whilst winning every trophy available to him, whilst with the Red Devils. His best years, perhaps, were alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, where the pair devastated defences, culminating in a Champions League triumph in 2007.

And, who can forget the absurd overhead kick against bitter rivals Manchester City?

Claude Makelele: Real Madrid - Chelsea, 2003 (€20m)

You know you are a very good player when you redefine a position... Claude Makelele had made a name for himself at Real Madrid as a feisty defensive midfielder, guarding the back four with effortless ease. He was so good at his job that it became known as the 'Makelele Role'.

His move to a resurgent and cash-rich Chelsea in 2003 was greeted with much fanfare, and he would become a pivotal part of a side that would be top of their class for the next few years.

His first manager, Claudio Ranieri, described him as the battery of their team, but it would be under Jose Mourinho that he would show his full worth to his side.

In the 2004/05 season, the Blues won their first-ever Premier League title, with 95 points. But it was their defence that took all the plaudits. In that season, they conceded just 15 goals and lost just once as they romped to the title.

In a touching moment that showed just how much he meant to his side, Makelele was given the opportunity to take a penalty against Charlton Athletic in their final home game of the season.

He would miss the penalty, but was calm enough to tuck home the rebound. It was the winner in a tight win, but the celebrations showed just how important he was.

Makelele would spend five years at Stamford Bridge before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.