The Premier League transfer window closed at 5pm on 9 August, with Everton making three late signings to bolster their squad on the eve of the new season.
Although English clubs are no longer able to add to their squads, European teams can still prize away the Premier League clubs’ best players up until 31 August. The transfer deadlines in Spain, France and Germany are set for 31 August, as usual. However, Italy’s window will close on 18 August this year, one day before the start of the Serie A season.
Everton’s three late additions – Yerry Mina, Bernard, and André Gomes – took their spending past £270million in the last 12 months, while Tottenham failed to sign a single player.
The Winners of the Transfer Window
Liverpool
Breaking the world record transfer fee for Alisson Becker addressed Liverpool’s weakness in goal, whilst Naby Keita and Fabinho added the necessary depth to strengthen Jürgen Klopp’s squad. On top of that, Xherdan Shaqiri is a match winner, purchased for under £14m in one of the bargains of the transfer window. Liverpool were the clear winners in the market, getting their business done early to integrate their new pieces.
Notable signings: Fabinho (Monaco), Naby Keita (RB Leipzig), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City), Alisson Becker (AS Roma)
Notable exits: Emre Can (Juventus) Free
Everton
Everton coach Marco Silva made noise early in the transfer window in recruiting Richarlison from former club Watford for up to £50m. But the Portuguese coach didn’t stop there. His triple scoop of Barcelona players plus a free transfer of Brazilian Bernard is more than any Toffee could have expected.
Notable signings: Richarlison (Watford), Lucas Digne (Barcelona), Joao Virginia (Arsenal), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Yerry Mina (Barcelona), Andre Gomes (Barcelona)
Notable exits: Wayne Rooney (D.C. United), Ashley Williams (Stoke City), Kevin Mirallas (Fiorentina)
Arsenal
The Gunners start a new chapter at the Emirates Stadium under Unai Emery and already they have added the steel in their team that was lacking under Arsène Wenger. Less glamorous than the fans may have hoped for, but the signings of 100+ cap Stephan Lichtsteiner, the tenacious Uruguayan Lucas Torreira, and Dortmund’s experienced Greek centre back Sokratis Papastathopoulos show Emery has his finger on the pulses of what is required in North London.
Notable signings: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Dortmund), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria)
Notable exits: Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere (West Ham)
Chelsea
Making it to the end of the Premier League transfer window with the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian still at Stamford Bridge should be considered a huge success for new coach Maurizio Sarri. There is still time for them to be poached, but there should be cause for optimism at Chelsea with how the transfer window has panned out.
Jorginho was in the bag early, but the coup of Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovačić on loan is a major boost for the Blues. They broke the record fee paid for Alisson Becker to replace Thibaut Courtois with Kepa Arrizabalaga, and as long as Kepa can live up to his price tag, Chelsea can be happy with their business this summer, even if Álvaro Morata is still to prove himself capable of replacing Diego Costa.
Notable signings: Jorginho (Napoli), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)
Notable exits: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Manchester City
Notable signings: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester)
Notable exits: Yaya Toure
It was a quiet window for Pep Guardiola’s side, but when you win the league by a record margin there is generally little need to add to your squad. Their signing of Riyad Mahrez gives them another match-winner to count on. The 2015 PFA Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Year will apply pressure to Raheem Sterling’s place in the team. As long as Sterling’s progression is not hindered, City will be more than happy their addition.
The losers of the transfer window
Manchester Utd
José Mourinho said in preseason that he would like two more players, but only expected one, and got none. That doesn’t bode well for a team that is trying to close a 19-point gap on their rivals. That one signing could prove critical, as Fred brings the type of qualities that could enhance the performances of star player Paul Pogba.
However, with Antonio Valencia injured, and Matteo Darmian expected to return to Serie A, the decision to loan out Timothy Fosu-Mensah to Fulham seems somewhat bemusing.
Notable signings: Diogo Dalot (Porto), Fred (Shakhtar)
Notable exits: Michael Carrick, Daley Blind (Ajax)
Tottenham
Tottenham became the first team in Premier League history not to make a summer signing since the inception of the transfer window in 2003. For a team which seems to be on the cusp of making a breakthrough and winning a trophy, there was a surprising lack of inactivity. Whilst they can be happy to have kept their key players, another season without a trophy could see their marquee players re-evaluating their futures.
Notable signings & Notable exits
None
Outside of the teams vying for a top 6 finish, new clubs Fulham and Wolves showed their desire to solidify their position in the Premier League. The Cottagers kept hold of star player Stéphane Sessègnon, and added five players on deadline day including £30m record signing Zambo Anguissa and Man United’s Fosu-Mensah on loan.
The 2018 Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers showed there is still plenty of value in the market, as they picked up the 2016 European Champions João Moutinho (£5m) and Rui Patrício (free) for a combined £5m. Additionally, they showed they weren’t scared to splash the cash as they completed a club-record capture of Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore for £18 million.
