With the conclusion of the European Championship, many standout players from the tournament will likely attract interest from top clubs across Europe.
Major international competitions often lead to high-value transfers for players who shone during these events.
Euro 2024 is expected to follow this trend, with players such as Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, and Martin Zubimendi being prime targets. Here, we revisit some of the most significant post-tournament transfers involving players who participated in the Euros, spanning each edition from 1996 onward.
In 1996, Alan Shearer’s move to Newcastle for £15 million marked a seismic shift in the transfer market.
Newcastle United broke the British transfer record by more than double the amount they had received for Andy Cole just 18 months prior when he was sold to Manchester United.
Shearer had an outstanding European Championship with England, helping them reach the semi-finals and winning the Golden Boot with five goals.
Despite interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United, Shearer chose to join his hometown club after scoring 130 goals in 171 matches for Blackburn Rovers.
The £15 million fee Newcastle paid for the 25-year-old set a new world record, surpassing the £13.2 million that Barcelona had recently paid for Ronaldo.
In 2000, Luis Figo’s transfer to Real Madrid for £37 million became one of the most contentious moves in football history. The transfer occurred when Real Madrid activated Figo’s release clause, making him the most expensive player in the world at the time.
This move was particularly controversial due to Figo leaving Barcelona, a fierce rival of Real Madrid.
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