And the transfer window slams shut! The craziest transfer window ever has finally ended and it’s hard to say exactly where to begin.
Transfers for Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and of course Danny Rose.
I couldn’t tell if I was tuning in to Sky Sports transfer news or if I was on my Xbox watching random transfers take place in my FIFA Career mode.
Luckily for us football fans this transfer window is a reality as the Premier League once again has lured the worlds biggest stars to play on it’s stage.
But in a sea of transfers and signings, which club had the best transfer window? Well, as a self-diagnosed transfer market expert (not really) I give my verdict.
The grades are in, how did your club get on?
Arsenal
Net Spend: -£131.8m
Grade: C+
Key Signings: Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Key departures: Joe Willock, David Luiz, Hector Bellerin
Analysis
Despite clocking in as the biggest spenders this transfer period, I don’t think Arsenal have had a great window.
Their defence has been brilliantly bolstered with the additions of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, god knows it needs to be, but they are lacking in other key areas.
With Alexander Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not quite firing off on all cylinders, I think Mikel Arteta could’ve done with a new talisman.
The Gunners also needed a new Right-back and a stronger midfield and I don’t think they’ve really sorted those areas either.
Only time will tell if those signings will be enough for Arsenal to avoid relegation (I had to) but I think the Red side of London needed a few more quality signings through the door and considering the money Arteta has spent, I don’t think they have a lot to show for it.
Aston Villa
Net Spend: +£7.0m
Grade: B-
Key Signings: Emi Buendia, Danny Ings, Leon Bailey
Key departures: Jack Grealish, Ahmed Elmohamady
Analysis
The story of Villa’s transfer window won’t be who they brought in, more who they let depart.
Jack Grealish’s 19 years stay with the club ended this summer after a lucrative deal from reigning champions Manchester City lured him away to the Etihad.
While that came as a disappointment to most of the Villa faithfuls, the new faces coming through the doors at Villa Park and the fistfuls of cash in which they can dry their tears with, should soften the blow of Grealish’s departure.
I actually think selling Grealish was a decent bit of business and Villa have reinvested it well picking up proven goal scorer Danny Ings and Norwich’s midfield maestro Emi Benudia.
I still think Villa needed a couple more signings, however, with the defence lacking quality and the midfield in need of a reshuffle. Regardelsss, Villa have improved since last year and done so in profit.
Will they miss Grealish? Sure. But I genuinely think they can be even better without him.
Brentford
Net Spend: -£31.1m
Grade: D+
Key Signings: Frank Onyeka, Kristoffer Ajer
Key departures: Henrik Dalsgaard
Analysis
Luckily for Brentford fans, I think they will be just fine this season. However, their window has not reflected that.
The jump from the Championship to the Prem is so vast that you normally see the newly promoted sides the busiest buyers during the transfer window. This was not the case for the not so busy Bees of Brentford with only two fresh faces arriving for them.
Compared to the likes of Norwich and Watford with ten plus additions, you have to wonder why Brentford chose not to strengthen this window.
Perhaps I’m being too harsh here, quality is better than quantity, but I just feel as though a few more fresh faces at the club were needed.
Holding onto key assets such as Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo is a big victory for the Bee’s however and maybe they will prove me wrong that no extra additions were required.
Brighton
Net Spend: +£17.9m
Grade: C
Key Signings: Marc Cucurella, Enock Mwepu, Abdallah Sima
Key departures: Ben White, Jose Izquierdo
Analysis
Brighton have had a pretty average window. After losing Ben White for what I would deem as a brilliant figure for the Seagulls, they reinvested it meticulously picking up defender Marc Cucurella, striker Abdallah Sima and creative midfielder Enock Mwepu.
While those are some decent signings, I do fear they haven’t seemed to replace Ben White who was crucial for them last year. Having said that, holding onto other key faces such as Yves Bissouma (a bargain on FPL by the way), Tariq Lamptey and Neal Maupay, who were all linked with moves away, is a great victory for Brighton.
They haven’t set the world alight this window but they’ve strengthened their squad and held onto most of their key players.
Will it be enough for them to avoid relegation? Just.
Burnley
Net Spend: -£17.5m
Grade: D-
Key Signings: Maxwel Cornet, Connor Roberts
Key departures: Robbie Brady
Analysis
Burnley have remained quiet customers yet again this window which is disappointing following their new owners arrival.
Sean Dyche really deserves a bigger budget and to have accomplished what he has with the scraps the Burnley board has been throwing at him for years is simply a miracle.
Oddly enough, where Burnley have spent is at the wrong end of the pitch.
Last year Burnley scored the third least goals in the Premier League so you would think a freshened attack would be in order for the Clarets. Instead, they opted to pick up to young defenders and versatile player Maxwell Cornet.
I have tipped Burnley to be the third team to get relegated this season and their transfer window certainly doesn’t steer me away form that. They could be in real trouble.
Chelsea
Net Spend: -£3.1m
Grade: A-
Key Signings: Romelu Lukaku, Saul Niguez
Key departures: Kurt Zouma, Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud
Analysis
Once again Chelsea have had a brilliant transfer window and they have a drastically lower net spend than that of last year.
The Blues may not have acquired a lot of new arrivals, but after having such a reshuffled squad last year I think keeping the essence of the squad the same this window was crucial.
With Timo Werner not exactly firing on all cylinders, the return of Romelu Lukaku will bring about guaranteed goals, while the addition of Saul Niguez will provide them with much needed backup in the midfield.
I do think however that Chelsea will rue missing out on Joules Kounde after being priced out of a move just days before the window ended.
Buying isn’t the only important aspect of the window however, the departures at the club were both necessary and very profitable. The Chelsea academy really is a gold mine for them, in some cases a goal-d-mine.
Missing out on a big defender is a big loss for the Blues, but overall they’ve had another great window.
Crystal Palace
Net Spend: -£10m
Grade: C
Key Signings: Odsonne Edouard, Micheal Olise, Conor Gallagher, Joachim Andersen
Key departures: Andros Townsend, Gary Cahill, Mamadou Sakho, Patrick Van Aanholt
Analysis
Patrick Veira’s first punt at the summer transfer window was a decent one.
Attacking options of Micheal Olise, Odsonne Edouard and already off the mark Conor Gallagher will make for a much needed freshened attack for the Eagles.
Somehow Viera has also been able to keep a hold of Wilfred Zaha who has been looking for a move away from the club for quite some time now. At the other end of the field I think Palace could’ve used some quality in defence especially with veterans Gary Cahil and Patrick Van Aanholt leaving during the summer.
Will this window let the Eagles soar? Not necessarily, but a decent window from them all round.
Everton
Net Spend: -£1.6m
Grade: C-
Key Signings: Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray, Salomon Rondon
Key departures: Theo Walcott, Moise Kean (loan), Joshua King
Analysis
I gave Everton one of the highest ratings during the last transfer window, but they have really missed a trick during this one.
While other clubs scoured the biggest leagues in the world for their talent, the Toffees opted to looking at the free agents market to make their signings. All five of Everton’s additions, Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray, Salomon Rondon, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergran, were for free.
You might view this as good business, but Everton desperately needed a bolstered midfield and a fresh defence.
Holding onto Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlsion will please the Toffee fans, but if they want to push for Europe I feel as though they are missing those marque singings.
The lack of a key singing could leave Everton in a sticky situation come the end of the season.
Leeds United
Net Spend: -£43.0m
Grade: C
Key Signings: Jack Harrison, Dan James, Junior Firpo
Key departures: Ezgjan Alioski, Pablo Hernandez
Analysis
Leed’s empathic return to the Premier League was a sight to behold and they clearly intend to be staying after their business this window.
They say never fall in love with a loan player (and as a West Ham fan I can tell you that’s true), but much to the Leeds’ fans relief Jack Harrison was made the first piece of business by Marcelo Bielsa this window and it wasn’t their last.
They also added exciting winger Dan James and former Barcelona player Junior Firpo, while also holding onto Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips.
Don’t get me wrong, a reshuffled back line and a new striker would boost their rating much higher but Bielsa is very meticulous about who he brings in at Elland Road and he will be very happy with the business this summer as he should be.
Leicester
Net Spend: -£55.0m
Grade: B
Key Signings: Ademola Lookman, Jannik Vestergaard, Boubakary Soumare, Patson Daka
Key departures: Wes Morgan, Dennis Praet (loan), Christian Fuchs
Analysis
After finishing fifth yet again last season, Brendan Rodgers has been scouring the transfer market in order to achieve a lucrative Champions League place.
I’ve always championed Leicester City on their business and I haven’t seen them involved in a bad window yet, this one is no different.
Highly rated striker Patson Daka will provide as a sumptuous backup to the likes of ageing Jamie Vardy while Jannik Vestergard comes in to take the place of Wesley Fofana who sadly picked up a long term injury at the start of the season. Ademola Lookman and Boubakary Soumare will also provide as decent backups to the squad.
I think Rodgers has bought to create depth this window rather than picking up first team additions and I think that’s the right step for Leicester as they seem to get ravaged by injuries regularly.
I think they still could’ve used a marque centre-back but you really cant complain at how the Foxes’ went about their business this summer.
Liverpool
Net Spend: -£11.5m
Grade: C-
Key Signings: Ibrahima Konate
Key departures: Georginio Wijnaldum, Xherdan Shaqiri
Analysis
After suffering a lot of issues last season due to lack of squad depth, I was very surprised not to see Liverpool more active during this transfer window. Especially considering that the Reds have lost Wijnaldum who was pivotal to their success during their title winning side of 19-20.
They have made at least one addition with highly rated defender Ibrahima Konate signing early on in the window but that just doesn’t seem enough.
If Liverpool’s luck is anything like last season with the amount of injuries they accumulated, it could be a tough watch for Anfield supporters this campaign.
Still, the return of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson and such may feel like new signings in themselves.
Manchester City
Net Spend: -£72.7m
Grade: C
Key Signings: Jack Grealish
Key departures: Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia, Jack Harrison
Analysis
Considering Manchester City’s squad size and quality you don’t often see people criticising their business or their team.
I however think they really missed out this transfer window but whether they will rue it or not I’m not sure.
The loss of club legend Sergio Augero left the Citizens with only hit or miss Gabriel Jesus as the clubs recognised striker, which is crazy considering the Sky Blues normal abundance of squad depth.
The signing of Jack Grealish is a welcomed one don’t get me wrong but I feel as though Harry Kane should’ve topped Pep’s list when it came to transfers this window, but realistically, will it matter? Who do you buy when your squad has enough talent to win the league twice in one season?
It’s not as if missing out on Kane will drastically later their chances of retaining the title but from a business stand point, for a massive club like City to just have one striker this campaign, it’s uncharacteristically poor.
Manchester United
Net Spend: -£103.0m
Grade: A-
Key Signings: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho
Key departures: Dan James
Analysis
The Red Devils finished just second in the league last season and are clearly looking to finally regain their first league title since Alex Ferguson’s departure with their business this summer.
The headlines will be rampant with the name Cristiano Ronaldo as the club legend returns to his former club, but his arrival shouldn’t overshadow the likes of Varane and Sancho.
United’s signings this summer all walk into their first team and will be keen to put on a real title challenge this season. Will it be enough? No.
Had United secured the signature of Eduardo Camavinga or Declan Rice they’d be in with a real shot of mounting a title challenge but I’m sure by the red Devils fans account, this has been their best window ever with the re-arrival of the legendary Ronaldo.
Newcastle
Net Spend: -£25.0m
Grade: D+
Key Signings: Joe Willock, Santiago Munoz (loan)
Key departures: Matty Longstaff, Andy Carrol, Florian Lejeune
Analysis
If anyone will be deeply frustrated with their owners this window it’s the Newcastle fans. They needed improvements all over the pitch with the magpies in desperate need of a new centre-back, a striker and a bolstered midfield.
They did secure the signature of the loaned in Joe Willock, but that just seems a step in the right direction considering what was required.
Newcastle missed out on Weston McKennie, Neal Maupay and many others this window as their lack of ambition thwarted every transfer they were linked with.
They won’t be in much trouble this season, but for the Magpies to truly kick on, they needed a couple more fresh faces at St James Park.
Norwich
Net Spend: +£6.1m
Grade: C
Key Signings: Billy Gilmour (loan), Brandon Williams (loan), Ozan Kabak (loan)
Key departures: Emi Beundia, Jordan Hugil (loan)
Analysis
I really rate what Norwich have done this window and it’s quite different to their typical transfer business.
Despite losing out on Emi Beundia, they’ve secured the Premier League quality of Billy Gilmour, Brandon Williams and Ozan Kabak. The Canneries have also held onto well sought after Todd Cantwell and added to their attacking ranks with Milo Rashika and Josh Sargent.
I can’t name all of their singings because they secured ten plus, but I really feel as though they’ve added to their squad this season with real quality.
If they are gonna stay up, they’ve gone the right way about it.
Southampton
Net Spend: +£25m
Grade: C-
Key Signings: Adam Armstrong, Tino Livramento, Theo Walcott
Key departures: Danny Ings, Jannik Vestergard, Ryan Bertrand
Analysis
After losing Danny Ings to rival side Aston Villa I did fear for Southampton’s business this window, but overall they haven’t done that badly.
Adam Armstrong seems to be a decent replacement for the ex-Saints ace and Tino Livramento has been brilliant since joining Southampton.
Whether Brazilian defender Lyanco can be a worthy replacement for Jannik Vestergard I’m not totally sure, but Southampton have held onto a large amount of their players, added where needed and most importantly secured a replacement for Danny Ings.
The Saints squad won’t be mounting any charge for a European place, but I think they’ve done enough to secure in and around a mid-table finish, which the Saints will be aiming for after they fell off last season.
Tottenham
Net Spend: -£54.6m
Grade: B-
Key Signings: Cristian Romero, Bryan Gill, Emerson Royal
Key departures: Moussa Sissoko, Erik Lamela, Moussa Sissoko
Analysis
Things were looking pretty bleak for Spurs at one point of the transfer window with main man Harry Kane keen to leave the club and no replacement in sight.
For now though it seems as though Kane will be playing his football in a white jersey and not the Sky Blue of Manchester City which is probably the biggest victory for Spurs during this window.
While keeping players at the club was crucial, signing them is equally as important as Tottenham secured right-back Emerson Royal from Barcelona, midfielder Bryan Gill and highly-rated defender Cristian Romero.
I still think Spurs needed to secure a striker this window with just Kane to support them up top, but I’m sure that at least postponing last season’s golden boot winner’s departure will be known as Tottenham’s best bit of business this window.
Watford
Net Spend: +£5.5m
Grade: C-
Key Signings: Emmanuel Dennis, Danny Rose, Josh King, Moussa Sissoko
Key departures: Troy Deeney, Will Hughes
Analysis
Watford’s return to the Premier League could be a short one following this transfer window.
I do like what they have done, a mix of Prem experience in Danny Rose, Moussa Sissoko and Josh King with some foreign talent such as Emmanuel Dennis but is that enough to keep the Hornets in the league for another year? Not in my books.
Watford will lack leadership following Troy Deeney’s departure and while they will be capable of scoring goals, Watford’s defence doesn’t fill me with much confidence.
It’s really hard to have a successful transfer window when coming up to the Prem and while Watford have had a decent go of it this window, their goal will be to stay up and I’m not sure their signings reflect that.
Will it be enough?
West Ham
Net Spend: -£63.3m
Grade: B-
Key Signings: Kurt Zouma, Nikola Vlasic, Alphonse Areola (loan), Alex Kral (loan)
Key departures: Felipe Anderson, Fabian Balbuena, Mipo Odubeko (loan)
Analysis
After being the lowest spenders in last year’s transfer saga with just £5m spent, the Hammers have stepped up their game splashing the sixth most cash during this year’s window.
Premier League and Champions League winner Kurt Zouma will be a brilliant addition to the squad, while the exciting loan signings of Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic will provide some much needed cover in midfield.
One place David Moyes’ hasn’t strengthened however is his options at striker with in-form Michail Antonio the only recognised number nine at the club.
While failing to bolster his forward options, at least the Scotsman has managed to keep a hold of Declan Rice. The English international is the glue that holds West Ham together and keeping him in Claret and Blue this summer is a massive win for them.
With little big outgoings and some key youth loaned out, another striker would’ve been the perfect end to the Hammers window. Still, good work and a solid window from Moyes and the under fire West Ham board.
Wolves
Net Spend: -£12.4m
Grade: C-
Key Signings: Hee Chan Hwang, Jose Sa, Francisco Trincao (loan)
Key departures: Rui Patricio
Analysis
Wolves were really not themselves last season. Was it down to Raul Jimenez’s head injury, was it for an issue behind the scenes or was it simply an off year for them?
Whatever the case, Wolves really needed a good window to bounce back from a lacklustre last campaign, especially when you consider their current place in the Prem table, scoring no goals and conceding three.
Finding a replacement for Patricio was key and they’ve done that through Jose Sa. Hee Chan also seems to be a good understudy for Jimenez and for a cheap price too.
Wolves had two late bids rejected for Boubakar Kamara and Kieffer Moore, which will be disappointing for Portuguese manager Bruno Lage, but keeping hold of Adama Traore is a positive for the club at least.
I can’t help feeling however that if Wolves want to get back on track they really needed a couple more signings, especially in defence, signings they did not secure.
Thanks for reading! How has your team performed this transfer window? Who is the signing of the summer? Comment below.
For more football content click here.
For more sport content click here.
