With the summer transfer window slamming shut Thursday night, theScore ranks the 20 best moves made across the game's top leagues.

 

20. Dean Henderson — Nottingham Forest

Details: Signed from Manchester United on season-long loan

Forest's best signing barely cost a penny. Henderson arrived on loan from Manchester United, and he relished the challenge of replacing colorful shot-stopper Brice Samba in goal after a season spent largely on the bench. Henderson immediately showed his worth, saving two penalties in his first five Premier League matches with the club. The 25-year-old also leads all 'keepers in saves with 25 thus far. One of Forest's most vocal leaders, Henderson has emerged as the club's most valuable signing out of 20 other offseason arrivals.

 

19. Gleison Bremer — Juventus

Details: Signed from Torino for initial €41M fee

Juventus needed this one, both from an on-pitch perspective and, perhaps more importantly, as a reminder of the club's status after a pair of subpar seasons. Almost immediately after losing Matthijs de Ligt to Bayern Munich, the Bianconeri turned around and nabbed Bremer, 25, right from under the nose of bitter rivals Inter Milan, who had been haggling with Torino for six months on the deal. In a clear statement of intent, Juve swooped in and worked quickly. The brawny Brazilian center-back and Serie A's top defender in 2021-22 instantly becomes the anchor of Juventus' backline.

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18. Matthijs de Ligt — Bayern Munich

Details: Signed from Juventus for initial €67M fee

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Bayern saved De Ligt from a problematic situation. The Dutchman never seemed to fit at Juventus, whose conservative style of play clashed with the defender's ball-playing approach. After three underwhelming seasons in Italy, the 23-year-old felt he needed a change in scenery to realize the potential he looked likely to achieve as a teenager with Ajax. Bayern may have paid a steep price, but a talented defender exists in De Ligt. Julian Naglessman's more progressive tactics will coax the best out of him.

 

17. Oleksandr Zinchenko –Arsenal

Details: Signed from Manchester City for reported £30M fee

Zinchenko has always believed in himself. He was bought from Russia for around €2 million in 2016 – a true under-the-radar signing – but proved he was more than a loan-market pawn. He once resisted a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers to establish himself as a popular squad member at Manchester City. But the time was right for Zinchenko to seek new pastures, and he's quickly become one of Mikel Arteta's leaders while greatly boosting his manager's options through his versatility and strong tactical know-how.

 

16. Brenden Aaronson — Leeds United

Details: Signed from Red Bull Salzburg for reported £24.7M fee

With his high-energy style, Aaronson has made a quick impression in the Premier League. He's highly effective off the ball, winning possession over a third of the time he pressures an opponent, and then he wisely infiltrates space when his teammates are trying to attack. In addition to helping Leeds' frontline tick, the American is disciplined and works diligently defensively when required. With each passing week, he's strengthening his case to start in the United States' World Cup opener against Wales in November.