There were not too many unexpected surprises in the English transfer window this summer.

However, one bit of business that did raise a few eyebrows was Max Meyer signing for Crystal Palace.

The Breakdown

£16.2m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Meyer joined the south London side on a free transfer from Bundesliga outfit Schalke in a move that left many people shocked.

And, speaking on his arrival at Selhurst Park, Meyer told Crystal Palace's official club website: "I first heard of the interest in late July, so it was only a couple of weeks later that I signed.

"The main difference between Palace and the other clubs interested was that Dougie [Freedman] and Iain [Moody] went out to Germany to visit me, and then I came to London to meet the manager."

And Crystal Palace could provide Meyer with the perfect platform for him to cotinue his development.

Meyer had previously been linked with a tonne of big European clubs, but nothing materialised with the 22-year-old's form not at the level it was when he first took the Bundesliga by storm as a teenager back in the 2013/14 campaign.

In essence, Meyer has stagnated or even arguably regressed when you compare his first few seasons with the Schalke senior team to his last two.

However, under Roy Hodgson -- a manager who does tend to put his faith in young players -- Meyer's development may well get back on track again as the Germany international looks to fulfil his potential.