The English Premier League dominated the big name moves as the summer transfer window in Europe came to an end on Monday.
When the window reopens for a month in January, players will be transferable by clubs on the continent.
The most important talking points from the summertime are examined by Al Jazeera Sport:
Newcastle to Liverpool Alexander Isak
In terms of drama and finances, Isak’s move to Liverpool was the biggest transfer of the summer.
The 25-year-old’s 125 million ($167.4 million) move is a record transfer fee for the country, surpassing Chelsea’s 107 million ($143.3 million) bid for Enzo Fernandez from Argentina in 2023.
What had already been a stressful period for all parties involved was finally over thanks to the fact that the move didn’t take place until the closing day of the window.
The Swedish international made no secret of his desire to leave Newcastle, ending up spending time with Real Sociedad instead of his former club, even before expressing his disapproval on social media for breaking promises.
This summer, Liverpool had already paid a club record sum of 100 million pounds ($133.9 million) for Florian Wirtz. According to appearances, the deal could reach 116 million pounds ($156 million).
Senne Lammens, Royal Antwerp, to Man Utd
Since David De Gea left the club in 2023, Manchester United’s goalkeeping issues have been their main focus throughout this upheaval.
There were even rumors that the 34-year-old former Spanish international could be brought back to Old Trafford from Fiorentina because of how desperate the situation was.
Erik ten Hag, the then-manager, gave Andre Onana the gloves, but the Cameroonian stopper has made a number of costly errors.
Altay Bayindir’s goalkeeper replaced Onana, but he too has failed to impress, especially in the season-opening defeat to Arsenal.
For United, who had reportedly signed Argentina’s World Cup-winning keeper Emiliano Martinez, Lammens’ arrival is a gamble, worth 18.1 million pounds ($24.2)
Lammens hasn’t yet made his Belgium international debut, but the 193cm (6ft-4-inch) stopper is viewed as a long-term replacement for Martinez, who is 32.
However, United requires stability at the back, and Lammens will be in particular attention as he struggles to find his footing amid the hustle and bustle of the English top flight.
Brentford to Newcastle Yoane Wissa
Wissa’s arrival from Brentford for 55 million pounds ($73. 7 million) softens Isak’s departure from Liverpool for Newcastle and their fans.
The international from the Democratic Republic of the Congo added 19 Premier League goals to his total for the club’s 149 appearances as of 2021.
Similar to Isak, Wissa shared his feelings in a public forum on Sunday when he expressed his desire to leave the West Londoners.
The 28-year-old needs to concentrate on resolving the 27 goals Isak scored in 42 games for Newcastle last season.
A no-go for Palace defender Marc Guehi at Liverpool
On the final day of the deal, not only the confirmed transfers made headlines, but also the collapsed deals.
The prolonged courtship of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi by Liverpool was one of them.
The 25-year-old England international had been linked with moving to Anfield for some time, possibly even more than Isak, and even advanced to a Monday medical on Merseyside.
Due to Palace’s inability to find a replacement for the England international, the deal passed in the closing hours of the deal, which will undoubtedly be a blow to Guehi given the complex nature of the deal.
It is late for Ederson, Donnarumma, Antony, Hojlund, Sancho, and Jackson.
On the last day of the transfer window, Isak and Guehi were among the only long-term transfer targets sweating. Other rumored maneuvers also finally crossed the line.
The 32-year-old keeper joined Turkiye’s Fenerbahce for 12.1 million pounds ($16.22 million) after falling from grace at Manchester City.
He spent eight years with Etihad Stadium, where he was a key player in the club’s unprecedented four successive Premier League titles and the club’s exclusive five-trophy year in 2023.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, a surprise departure from Paris Saint-Germain, who was responsible for the Brazilian’s successful Champions League campaign. Donnarumma helped the French giants win the trophy in their first treble last year.
A five-year contract has been agreed between the Italian and City.
Three Manchester United players were all heading for Old Trafford. After being loaned to the Spanish side last season, Brazilian winger Antony made a comfortable move to Real Betis.
After leading the United line last season, Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund struggled for goals while leading the team. And for the time being, Jadon Sancho is no longer imprisoned at Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof, a Swedish defender for United, and the former England winger Victor Lindelof have both signed for Aston Villa on loan.
Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich was another expected departure that was postponed until the last minute.
The Senegal international has since been signed on loan with Bayern having to pay 56.2 million pounds ($75.33 million) for the 24-year-old as a result of the off-season decision.
Source: Aljazeera
Leave a Reply