The transfer window has slammed shut with another flurry of business getting pushed over the line. Clubs are given a period of ten weeks from 27 July to 5 October to secure players’ signatures and capitalise on potential targets to help reinforce the ranks.
The transfer window is a hectic time for every club, trying to plug holes in their squads and chase that white whale of a signing. This year Sky Sports’ ticker has been as busy as ever and has not disappointed in the realm of excitement. Let’s have a look at the list of top 10 signings of the 2020-21 summer window.
10. Emiliano Martinez: Aston Villa (20m)
Aston Villa narrowly avoided the relegation trap door last season, only managing to escape the drop by the skin of their teeth. Talisman Jack Grealish and his band of merry misfits carved out safety but one huge blow was Tom Heaton’s injury.
With Heaton unable to find fitness, the West Midland’s club turned their attention to shot stopper Martinez for a solution. Villa’s new man between the sticks impressed when called upon by Arteta last season, and made an emphatic start to his Villa career, saving a penalty against Sheffield United.
9. Ferran Torres: Manchester City (20.8m)
Valencia’s dynasty was in real trouble last summer as the Spanish club was forced to host a fire sale in a desperate attempt to balance the club’s books. Man City were one of many clubs to take advantage of the struggling club’s position, snapping up 20-year-old winger Torres for a £20m steal.
Torres’ scathing talent is irrefutable and while many see the Spaniard as a downgrade after the departure of Leroy Sané to Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola will channel the young man’s footballing prowess to fill the huge boots of Sané.
8. Timothy Castagne: Leicester City (18m)
Leicester were once again guilty of dragging their heels through the summer window, waiting for Chelsea to take a punt on prize pig Ben Chilwell. Chelsea eventually buckled, paying £45m for the highly rated defender and bolstering their ranks.
With a war chest to spend, Leicester opted to invest in £18m Castagne – a right wing by trade – to replace the defender. Fast forward to the 2020-21 season and the Foxes seem to have got another bang for their buck as Castagne opened up his Leicester campaign with a goal on his debut.
The Belgian scored on his debut against West Brom before claiming assists in both the Burnley and Man City games. The new signing looks to have filled the void for injured Ricardo on the right and has made a huge splash in the East Midlands.
7. Allan: Everton (23m)
Everton have injected a huge amount of talent into the squad over the summer, securing Allan’s scribble before the shut. The Brazilian had been plying his trade in Napoli before Carlo Ancelotti came a calling to shore up the ranks at the Toffees.
Allan looks to be a shroud bit of business by the Italian, demonstrating to be a midfield lynchpin, spraying passes and breaking up play with ease. The Toffees seem to be on the up after their summer signings.
6. Timo Werner: Chelsea
Chelsea snapped up one of the coveted signings in European football, Timo Werner. The hitman from RB Leipzig was a huge speculation with interest from Liverpool and a host of other European clubs, but Chelsea beat them to the punch securing the German for £45m.
The striker proved to be a catalyst for the German side slotting 32 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions. Lampard has wasted no time over the window bolstering his squad with a plethora of talent including Hakim Ziyech and the exciting Kai Havertz.
5. Thiago Alcantara: Liverpool (25m)
It was a long-drawn-out negotiation but Liverpool finally got their man. The Spanish midfielder might be a pariah figure to Klopp’s footballing system but the midfield maestro was too good to pass up when the window opened.
Thiago demonstrated his unbridled talent for Bayern in the Champions League, cementing his outrageous quality, and Liverpool will be rubbing their hands with delight to have such a galvanising player amongst their 2020 squad.
4. Callum Wilson: Newcastle United (20m)
Mike Ashley is renowned for his frugality but after the entrepreneur dropped a whopping £40m on Joelinton last summer, Newcastle fans were convinced they had turned a corner in the market.
After the Brazilian proved to be a complete flop, Ashely reverted back to his economical business model purchasing Callum Wilson from relegated Bournemouth. Unlike Joelinton, Wilson is a proven goal scorer having scored 41 goals across five seasons.
3. Matheus Pereira: West Brom (9m)
Many have West Brom to taste the bitter taste of the Championship next season, but if the footballing outfit are to escape the relegation trap door, new signing Pereira will not doubt play a huge part. The Brazilian set the Championship alight last campaign, netting eight times and assisting a further 20.
The West Brom man signed a permanent deal this summer for £9m and many share that his signature is a clear message that they mean to stay in England’s top tier.
2. Thomas Partey: Arsenal (45m)
Arsenal worked their black magic and pulled off one of the signings of the season, securing the services of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid paying his mammoth £45m release clause.
The North London club have been linked with the 27-year-old Ghana midfielder and Arteta dragged the deal over the line drape him in red and white. Partey won the 2017-18 Europa League and 2018 Super Cup with Atletico and will be a vital component of Arsenal’s top-four push this season.
James Rodríguez: Everton (20m)
Everton have added another feather to their cap with the signing of the season in James Rodríguez. Carlo Ancelotti waved his magic wand and lured the Columbian wizard to Goodison Park and with all due respect – you don’t expect Everton to be signing these types of superstars.
Ancelotti’s bargaining chip was the relationship he had with Rodríguez, coaching the agile midfielder at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old has put in some superlative performances of late, sling shooting the club into the top half of the table.
Who knows if Rodríguez can carry Everton through the season and how far but when a transfer is announced across Times Square, you know something special is on the table.
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