Transfer window: major new signings already making headlines from day one

Salah, Espi, Torres, Adeyemi... already decisive

Europe Today at 17:38

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Transfer window: major new signings already making headlines from day one

The 2026 summer transfer window wasn’t just about big-money deals and headline-grabbing moves. Several of the most anticipated signings have already justified their arrivals by finding the back of the net in their very first official outings.

Joining Paris Saint-Germain from FC Barcelona for around €45 to €50 million, Ferran Torres wasted no time making his presence felt. Coming on at halftime against Rennes, the Spanish international bagged a brace, helping PSG—who were trailing 2-0 until the 71st minute—salvage a 2-2 draw. A spectacular debut for the 2026 World Cup winner.

#Ligue1 🇫🇷: A brace for Ferran Torres in his first appearance with PSG! 🔥⚽️⚽️

What a thunderous debut from the new Parisian striker! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/cfnK2SqTYa
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) August 23, 2026

Carlos Espí clinches victory for Real Madrid

In Madrid, Carlos Espí made an even bigger impact. Signed from Levante for around €25 million, the young striker waited until the dying minutes of his La Liga debut to become the hero of the night. Coming off the bench against Espanyol, he scored the winner in the 90th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and giving José Mourinho a triumphant return to the Madrid dugout.

#LaLiga 🇪🇸: And the first goal for Karim Adeyemi with Barça! 🔥

The Catalans go two up at halftime! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Flz8ZfT3cb
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) August 23, 2026

Karim Adeyemi already off the mark for Barça

Another much-anticipated signing: Karim Adeyemi. The German forward opened his account for FC Barcelona on La Liga’s second matchday against Elche. His goal helped the Catalans take a commanding lead in a game where he was set up by Raphinha. Having already scored during pre-season, Adeyemi is quickly living up to expectations even before the season has fully taken off.

Nobel Mendy, the defender rocking Hull City

In the Premier League, Nobel Mendy also made an instant impression. Arriving at Hull City from Rayo Vallecano as the club’s record signing, the Senegalese defender netted the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United. On his Premier League debut for Hull, his goal helped the newly promoted side claim a sensational win on their return to the English top flight.

Mohamed Salah, already a brace in Turkey

And then there’s Mohamed Salah. After a goalless debut against Kasımpaşa, the Egyptian broke his duck in his first start for Trabzonspor. Facing İstanbul Başakşehir, the former Liverpool star struck twice—scoring in the 8th and 48th minutes—to secure a 2-1 victory for his team. A standout start for one of the summer’s most prestigious arrivals.

From Madrid to Paris, Barcelona to Hull, and all the way to Trabzon, the opening weeks of the season have already delivered some unforgettable stories for new signings. Some have scored to rescue a draw, others to claim victory, but none of them needed weeks of adaptation to start making an impact for their new clubs.