Top European football transfers of the summer

The horse-trading is continuing amongst Europe's biggest clubs, right up until the transfer window closes at the end of September 1. Arguably the biggest name to join the Bundesliga over the summer break was Xabi Alonso, who moved from last year's Champions League winners Real Madrid to current German champions, Bayern Munich.

The Colombian was one of the stars of the World Cup so its no surprise clubs were on the hunt for the 22 year old after the final whistle in Brazil. With his move to Real Madrid, the club will have an exciting range of offensive options to choose from including Cristiano Ronaldo and...

... this man here. Toni Kroos, one of Germany's top young talents, has decided to leave Germany's record-breaking club and head to Spain. There's no doubt that it was a smart financial move, after his stocks hit a new high after winning the World Cup. Still, some think that his transfer fee of 30 million euros was a good deal for Real.

The biggest fee paid so far was for Luis Suarez (at least 81 million euros, $108.1 million) for his move from Liverpool to Barcelona. The Uruguayan international though is still banned until October 26 for biting Italian player Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup in Brazil.

Chelsea has gotten rid of one of it's biggest names in defense this summer, Brazil's David Luiz. The 27-year-old was inconsistent in the Premier League and will now be lacing up his boots for Paris St. Germain. The capital club forked out at least 50 million euros - some put the fee nearer 60 million - for his services.

Brazilian-born Spanish national team player Diego Costa is heading to Chelsea for the next five years. The London club paid 38 million euros for his services. Chelsea's coach Jose Mourinho will be hoping that this signing isn't another attacking flop for the club. Costa will be aided at his new club by fellow summer additions Cesc Fabregas and former Atletico teammate Filipe Luis.

Replacing Diego Costa at Atletico Madrid is former Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic. The Spanish Champions League finalists paid 22 million euros for the Croatian attacker but even so, Mandzukic was apparently booed during his introduction at the Madrid club. He's already appealed to fans "I'm not Diego Costa."

Arsenal's captain Thomas Vermaelen has moved to Spanish club Barcelona to replace club idol Carles Puyol, who has gone into retirement. The Belgian international is believed to have cost the Spanish side around 19 million euros. Apparently, Manchester United was also interested in signing Vermaelen.

After a strong World Cup campaign Chilean player Alexis Sanchez (here in red) is on his way to the Premier League. Last season's FA Cup winners will be hoping that he can help them add to their recent lack of silverware in the last decade. The 25-year-old is reported to have cost the Gunners a cool 37.8 million euros.

The most expensive summer transfer to the Bundesliga goes by the name of Ciro Immobile. The striker will be up front with another new signing, Adrian Ramos at BVB this season. The Italian cost Dortmund nearly 20 million euros. That doesn't come close to the Bundesliga record: Bayern Munich paid 40 million euros for Javi Martinez back in 2012.

It's not really a surprise, but Nuri Sahin is now officially a Dortmund player again. After spending time with Real Madrid and regularly being loaned out to other clubs (including Dortmund), Sahin is now back in the Ruhr Valley officially for the 2014/2015 season. The cost to Dortmund to buy him back was 7 million euros.

"We are very convinced of his quality", said Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer. Anything other than that would be a shame. After all, the Munich-based club spent at least 26 million euros obtaining the Marrocan national team defender.

Just 19 years of age and Luke Shaw has already got 60 Premier League caps under his belt and been involved in a World Cup campaign for England. Manchester United's new coach Louis van Gaal thought that was all so impressive that he got his club to spend 37.5 million euros on the youngster. Shaw signed a four year contract.

Everyone's favorite World Cup goalie has finally got himself a proper job: he's now playing with Malaga in the Primera Division in Spain. It's a big step up from now-second division French club Ajaccio. The Mexican livewire moved to Malaga on a free transfer. The summer transfer window closes on September 2, 2014.