So that’s it, after 83 days the summer transfer window is over, and what a window it was. The pull of the Premier League was clearer to see than ever before as its 20 teams combined spent over £2.1bn. Not to mention Barcelona splashing the cash that nobody saw that coming given their current situation.
Yesterday also reminded us that you can’t beat deadline day. We had on the big screen here at Nifty HQ and were all gripped from start to finish, hoping and praying for another Peter Odemwingie situation. In hindsight, that might never happen again, and for good reason!
Anyway, in this blog we’re looking back at the window as a whole and pick out some of its most stand out moments. Thanks to the season starting earlier than ever before, we can even see which signings have made the best start.
After the end of the last paragraph, you can probably guess where I’m starting, and yes, it’s with Erling Braut Haaland. Snapped up by Man City for just north of £50,000,000, which in football terms is an absolute steal, the Norwegian has hit the ground running and currently sits on nine goals in just five games. Anyone who said he wouldn’t be able to cut it in the world’s most watched league has certainly been left with egg on their face.
Now let’s head over to Spain for the window’s most expensive transfer. This saw Aurélien Tchouaméni depart Monaco for Real Madrid. Los Blancos paid out a whopping £85.3m for what is effectively an unproved 22-year-old. But if they think he’s worth the investment then who are we to tell them any different? This is Real Madrid we’re talking about!
Chelsea were also big spenders, shelling out the most of any club in Premier League history, bringing on a few already familiar faces. None more so than Raheem Sterling, who swapped Manchester for the Capital in search of more game time. He was also followed by fellow Premier League resident Marc Cucurella, who is most recognisable for his incredible hair style. Also, just as you thought Chelsea were finished, they even managed to pull in another former Prem star, in the shape of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. To say it will be interesting when Chelsea face off against Arsenal is a huge understatement.
Look, it wouldn’t be a transfer window if Manchester United didn’t try to flex its muscle. However, if you thought they had it all their own way you’d be mistaken, hugely in fact. It was a tough window for United and its fans, not helped by wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo. They did, however, manage to tie up a few deals, most notably Brazilian star Anthony who looks a box of tricks.
Finally, how could we forget Nottingham Forest with a whopping 21 new signings, talk about depth! The best of the bunch was English youngster Morgan Gibbs-White for a staggering £45 million, something nobody, including Wolves, thought was possible. They have, however, shown us all they are here to stay, so good for them!
It’s tough to say right now who has had the best window. We often get caught in the trap of saying great signing here, great signing there, but we know by now that it doesn’t always work out. Take Torres to Chelsea for example, or Hazard to Real Madrid – it’s often hard for players to hit the form at their former club, largely because they hit such heights.
However, one thing is for sure: Football is well and truly back, and WE ARE HERE FOR IT.
Here at Nifty HQ we love talking football. Whether that’s transfers, strategy or how to unlock new revenue streams for your club. For example, we’ve recently put together an eBook about monetising socials for sports organisations and rights holders. Give it a read, and if you’ve got any questions, give us a shout, we’re always happy to have a chat!
