The transfer of Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur grabbed the most prime-time space around the world, but there were big names like Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain, Neymar and Falcao that were the highlights of 2013 as well. Here are few names that grabbed the most headlines in 2013:
Gareth Bale, 85 million pounds (Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid): The most expensive transfer deal of football history happened in the summer of 2013. Real Madrid's desperation to land Bale forced them to offer Tottenham Hotspur a record amount of 85 million pounds. The North London club was expectedly hesitant but had to bow down to Real's power at the end of the day. Bale became the first Welshman ever to sign at the Santiago Bernebeu. He has already scored some scintillating goals for Real including a hat-trick.
Edinson Cavani, 55 million pounds (Napoli to PSG): Paris St-Germain announced the signing of Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani from Napoli for a reported £55 million. Cavani scored 78 league goals in three seasons with Napoli and finished top scorer in Serie A last season. The deal also meant Cavani became the most expensive transfer in French football history, eclipsing the £50 million that Monaco reportedly paid Atletico Madrid for Colombia forward Radamel Falcao. The Uruguayan striker has started the season well and is proving his worth for the Spanish giants.
Radamel Falcao, 50 million pounds (Atletico Madrid to Monaco): This deal raised a few eyebrows. Falcao snubbed the opportunity to play in the Champions League and went to play for cash-rich Monaco. He proved his prowess in the La Liga and also had success in European competitions with Atletico. He won the Europa League with the Spanish capital club in 2012, having triumphed in the same competition with Porto 12 months earlier. He has been in decent from since joining Monaco and has already been linked with Chelsea.
Neymar, 49 million pounds (Santos to Barcelona): Barcelona fought off interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich to land one of the hottest property in world football - Neymar. Touted as the next Ronaldo (Brazilian), he has already scored 20 goals in 33 appearances for Brazil and started to prove his worth for Barcelona as well. He has second highest assists in La Liga and has scored crucial goals for the Spanish champions in a short time.
Mesut Ozil, 42 million pounds (Real Madrid to Santos): By far the signing of the summer. Arsenal, having not made a single signing in the summer, were desperate to make one and they did that in some style. With Gareth Bale signing a record deal with Real, Ozil became surplus to their requirement. And since his arrival at Arsenal, he has transformed them into one of the finest clubs in England. He has scored a few crucial goals already and not to forget he has the highest assists in the EPL. His lay-making quality has made Arsenal once again a force to reckon with.
Gonzalo Higuain, 34 million pounds (Real Madrid to Napoli): He almost joined Arsenal, but a phone call from Rafa Benitez and Napoli's president changed things. The Argentine striker was not happy at Madrid and was looking for a change and that led him to Napoli. The Argentine's reputation as a goal-scorer - with more than 100 strikes for Real Madrid - prompted the Naples club to pen him down to a five-year deal and he like always has been deadly in front of the goal and has become fans' favourite at Napoli in no time.
Mario Gotze, 32 million pounds (Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich): One of the finest players Borussia Dortmund has produced, Gotze did not think twice before joining the archrivals Bayern Munich. Bayern activated the German international's release clause to ease the process, and while the Dortmund faithful may never forgive him, Bayern fans have already started chanting his name.
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