With the dust settling on a manic 2026 summer transfer window, it's clear which clubs prospered. But what about the under-the-radar stories? Welcome to our alternative awards, where we hand out eight off-beat trophies.

Unluckiest player: Érik Lira, Cruz Azul. Folarin Balogun's midnight change of heart on a €40 million switch to Everton left a series of clubs hanging. Lira was set for a move to Monaco, his big break into European football at age 26, but could not seal the deal from Mexican side Cruz Azul. Ligue 1 clubs have limited non-EU squad spots, Monaco's are full, and Balogun was supposed to vacate the one Lira was set to take.

Left on the shelf: Julián Álvarez, Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid made a €150 million bid, Barcelona publicly wooed him, while Arsenal worked quietly. No move materialized, with Atlético claiming even a €200 million offer would not suffice. It left Álvarez caught in the middle, being booed by his own fans. The January window opens in 120 days.

Hipster's choice: Fiorentina. Their incoming list lacks stardust but is packed with "if you know, you know" quality. Among the 15 players brought in were Christ Inao Oulaï, Arthur Atta, Franco Mastantuono, Beto, Pedro Gonçalves, and Wilfried Gnonto.