India, Aug. 21 -- With the World Cup fever-dream now well and truly behind us, and the football leagues ready to kick off a new season, here's a quick look at some of the most exciting transfers in what has been one of the busiest summer-transfer windows in recent years.

Some teams, such as Real Madrid, may have a distinctly new look, having swept many of the world's biggest talents into their stable. Others, such as Newcastle United, are on the other end of the spectrum, hollowed out after losing all their star players (though that has brought the club unprecedented earnings with which to rebuild in the future).

Any talk of transfers must start with Rodri, 30, the incomparable defensive midfielder who was the rock behind Manchester Cit...