Premier League Transfers
Busy Deadline Day for Manchester United
All eyes were on the red side of Manchester on Monday evening following a shambolic defeat at the hands of Spurs. After being linked with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho all summer, Manchester United had to resort to plan B after Dortmund refused to budge on their asking price. Instead they opted for Uruguayan veteran striker Edinson Cavani on a one year deal. A terrific goal-scorer who may prove to be to a shrewd bit of business, but is he really what Man United need?
Even Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side managed to find the net six times on the weekend. And attacking flair is not something typically associated with a Mourinho side. Their defence looked out of place, a dreadful performance summed up by Spurs’ first goal of the game which saw Harry Maguire drag back his own player resulting in a concession. Porto left-back Alex Telles also signed on the dotted line at Old Trafford, adding some well-needed pace to the backline.
Partey Time at Arsenal
Meanwhile in London, Mikel Arteta finally got his man. Arsenal left it late, reluctant to pay Thomas Partey’s £45m release clause but finally gave in on deadline day. The Ghanaian has been playing in the Spanish capital for Atletico since 2015 and brings with him a prestigious reputation. A tough tackling defensive midfielder who may prove to be a pivotal signing for the Gunners by adding an extra layer of protection to a newly restructured Arsenal defence. Lucas Torreira moved in the opposite direction, joining Atletico.
Rest of the League Round-Up
Gareth Bale wasn’t alone in making a sentimental return to an old club in this window. Bale’s boyhood team Southampton signed Theo Walcott on a season-long loan deal from Everton. Walcott returns to Southampton after 14 years away from the club.
Leeds United rounded off their busy transfer window with the signing of Brazilian winger Raphinha on a four year deal from French side Rennes. An exciting signing for Leeds, with no shortage of attacking players for Marcelo Bielsa now to choose from.
Top of the table Everton further bolstered their squad with the acquisition of promising centre-back Ben Godfrey from Norwich City. On the back of some poor performances from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Ancelotti decided to bring in Roma keeper Robin Olsen on loan to increase the competition for the number one spot at Goodison Park.
The pressure was on Fulham at the other end of the table after a dreadful start to the new season. The addition of defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Joachim Andersen from Manchester City and Lyon will please fans. Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek also made the short trip to Fulham on a loan deal.
European Transfers
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling returned to Italy, signing permanently at Roma for a reported fee of £18m. Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick Kluivert, was amongst the outgoings at Roma, joining RB Leipzig on a season-loan. Elsewhere in Italy, Napoli agreed a loan deal with Chelsea for midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
German sides Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim raided the Premier League with the signings of Matteo Guendouzi and Ryan Sessegnon. European champions Bayern Munich strengthened their attack with the double signing of Douglas Costa and Choupo-Moting. While in France, PSG struck a deal with Barcelona for midfielder Rafinha on a three year deal.
Finally, Irish international Josh Cullen packed his bags and headed for Belgium, joining Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht side.
