Top 10 Impact Signings Of The Summer In European Football

The 2010 summer was a relatively calm one as far as transfers are concerned, especially when compared to the 2009 summer, where Real Madrid alone spent about 250 million.

It seems that most clubs have learnt from Real Madrid's mistakes: despite having spent ridiculously high amounts of money on Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo (among others), Real Madrid still came short to Barcelona in La Liga, lost prematurely in the Champions League against Lyon and experienced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Alcorcón in the Copa Del Rey. 250 million spent and no trophies for Los Blancos.

After this debacle, Real Madrid, now with Mourinho at the helm, was more careful with their transfer moves this summer, and other clubs have followed their example. Other than Manchester City, all the top European clubs adopted logical criteria in the selection of players to sign, trying to strengthen their squads (as opposed to totally rebuilding).

Let's take a look at the moves which, in my opinion, are likely to have the biggest impact during the season:

A world class centre back is exactly what Real Madrid needed. With Ricardo Carvalho, Real Madrid significantly improve their defense, at least on paper.

As far as I'm concerned, it's pretty safe to assume that Ricardo Carvalho's class will be fundamental for Real Madrid on their quest to get their hands on some silverware, after two trophiless seasons.

Yaya Touré was a very important part of Barcelona's Dream Team that won six trophies in 2009. However, after losing his spot in the lineup for Sergio Busquets, he asked to be sold to Manchester City and Barcelona granted him his wish.

Arguably one of the best holding midfielders in the world, Yaya Touré can definitely help his new team. His imposing presence in the midfield might be one of the keys for Manchester City's success.

Khedira was impressive at the World Cup. He was only given an opportunity because Michael Ballack was injured, but, after seeing him play, many Germans were actually glad Ballack couldn't make it.

Mourinho saw it too and he was quick to sign him.

The 23-year-old is a complete midfielder: he can hold the opposition's offense and then quickly join in his team's attacks. Besides, he has excellent passing and long-range shooting skills. His partnership with Xabi Alonso is a very promising one.

After being discarded by Chelsea, Joe Cole is out to prove he's still a top player.

His debut was far from a successful one, as he was sent off in the first day of the Premier League in a match against Arsenal.

However, despite the bad start, Joe Cole can be a very useful player to Roy Hodgson, just like he was in Chelsea for many years.

After many successful seasons in Valencia, David Silva is now part of City's millionaire project.

He will, first and foremost, provide a lot of options to Roberto Mancini, as he can play on both wings, as a classic number 10 and even as a supporting striker, and he is very efficient at all these positions.

Manchester City might just be the ideal platform for Silva to show all his potential. If he does, as I expect he will, he will help make City a very tough team to beat both in the Premier League and in the Europa League.

The 20-year-old was no longer loved by Inter fans and he decided to continue his promising career by joining Manchester City and the coach that launched his senior career: Roberto Mancini.

Balotelli is undoubtedly talented. If Mancini manages to discipline him, there's no limit to his potential. If City wants to challenge for the title, I really think they need Balotelli to play according to his enormous talent.

There's no doubt Adriano's signing will have an impact. The only question is whether it will be a positive impact.

If Adriano starts getting drunk less often and finally manages to focus on football, he might help Roma win the Serie A. His talent is undoubted.

History is not on Adriano's side, but this is chance for redemption. Roma trusted him; let's hope he doesn't disappoint them.

Ramires had an absolutely fantastic season in Benfica in his first year in Europe. Ancelotti was clearly paying attention and didn't hesitate to sign him.

Ramires can play in every midfield position, which gives Ancelotti a lot of options. Plus, he defends and attacks with the same energy and commitment. A fantastic player who will help Chelsea on their quest to capture the Premier League and the Champions League.

After seeing Javier Hernandez play, one can understand why Sir Alex Ferguson was so eager to sign him and why he was so careful during the process.

He scored in his first game with Manchester United and showed that he is incredibly talented. His partnership with Wayne Rooney promises to be a successful one.

Chicharito is the future of Manchester United and he will help Ferguson continue his reign of success.

The most expensive signing of the summer.

Villa is one of the best strikers in the world. He has consistenly scored 20+ goals for Valencia and he has scored 43 goals in 65 caps for Spain.

Now that he is finally in a top team, there's every reason to believe that David Villa will continue scoring goals and that he will help Barcelona win trophies.

Villa and Messi promise to be a nightmare for the opponents' defenses.