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Transfer windows have built a notorious reputation for delivering the unexpected.
While we have seen several unpredictable moves go through in the past, this summer's window was head and shoulders above the rest. Football viewers were subjected to surprise after surprise as several players proceeded to sign completely unexpected deals.
All of the world's top clubs got in on the act, signing at least one player to strengthen their squads. Let's take a look at the top five unexpected deals from this transfer window.
#5 Raphael Varane | Real Madrid to Manchester United
Raphael Varane joined Manchester United in a deal that was completely unexpected.
The Frenchman was a key figure for Real Madrid, lining up in defense for the best part of 10 years. A world-class defender, Varane enjoyed great success with Los Blancos.
Varane won three La Liga titles, as well as four UEFA Champions League titles during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. Although Varane was linked with many clubs, it seemed logical that Real Madrid would not sell both their starting center-backs in the same window.
Ultimately, Manchester United made a move for the 28-year-old and saw their offer accepted by Real Madrid. Varane made his debut for the Red Devils in August against Wolves and even bagged an assist on the day.
Manchester United seem to have finally found the perfect partner for Harry Maguire in defense. With Varane bringing vast experience and a brilliant set of skills, United looks well-armed to win some silverware this season.
#4 Romelu Lukaku | Inter Milan to Chelsea
Another shock deal from this summer's window was the return of Romelu Lukaku to Stamford Bridge.
Having just won the Scudetto, it seemed almost impossible that Inter Milan would sell their attacking spearhead. Lukaku looked increasingly committed to a future in Italy before Chelsea came knocking for the Belgian.
Lukaku is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the world. Displaying incredible strength and power, he possesses a widely coveted skill set. He was instrumental in Inter Milan's title-winning run the previous season as well.
Antonio Conte's departure seemingly swayed the Belgian's mind to pursue other options. Lukaku is no stranger to England: he has played for Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea in the past, even representing Manchester United for two years.
Lukaku has started decently for the Blues. He has already scored three goals in six Premier League appearances, as well as one goal in two UEFA Champions League appearances. Only time will tell how successful his second stint with Chelsea will be.
#3 Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain
Sergio Ramos was one of Paris Saint-Germain's many additions from this summer's transfer window.
Having signed for Real Madrid in 2005, Ramos enjoyed a long and successful career with Los Blancos. During his 16 years with the club, he won pretty much every trophy for club and country.
A Galactico through and through, many expected him to retire with Real Madrid. Ramos' success with the club was unparalleled by all standards of comparison.
He won five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and a stunning four UEFA Champions League titles with the club. A key member of the Madrid defense, Ramos built quite the reputation for being a successful leader.
It seemed almost impossible that Madrid would sell both their marquee defenders within the same window. That's exactly what happened, though, with Ramos joining Paris Saint-Germain in a historic window for the French outfit.
Ramos is yet to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo | Juventus to Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United was one for the headlines.
When the transfer window opened, nobody expected Ronaldo to come back to Old Trafford. The Portuguese had just won the Serie A Golden Boot with Juventus and seemed ready to lead the title charge against reigning champions Inter Milan.
As the window progressed, Ronaldo was linked with moves to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The two clubs stood out as frontrunners to sign Ronaldo, partly due to his massive wages.
Reports soon broke out, confirming that Ronaldo was on a plane to Manchester. While everyone expected Ronaldo to sign with Manchester City, it was confirmed soon after that he had agreed a late deal to join Manchester United.
Within the space of two hours, United fans experienced both ends of the emotional spectrum. Ronaldo's return came as a massive delight to United fans worldwide, with the club selling a reported 400,000 Ronaldo jerseys.
Ronaldo's 'homecoming' has been described as the biggest move of the summer. He has hit the ground running in England, already racking up five goals in six appearances for the Red Devils.
#1 Lionel Messi | Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain
On August 10, 2021, Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in what went down as one of the most shocking transfers in football history.
A Barcelona player through-and-through, Messi made his debut in 2004 and spent 17 long years at the Camp Nou. Almost synonymous with the club, Messi enjoyed widespread success during his career with the Blaugrana.
His numbers at the club speak for themselves. Messi scored 672 goals and provided 301 assists for Barcelona in 778 club appearances. He won a massive 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles as well.
For a player so intertwined with the club and its culture, it seemed impossible that Messi would ever leave. Barcelona were ultimately forced to part ways with Messi in an attempt to balance the books and prevent the club from going defunct.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Messi ultimately parted ways with his childhood club in an emotional manner and flew to France to sign with Paris Saint-Germain. At 34 years of age, it's likely that Messi will only be around for another two or three years.
