– By TOBI CALEB
The summer transfer window that just closed was a weird one indeed: it closed in the evening of the 9th of August instead of the “31st 11:59“ most premier league lovers are used to. For the duration that the window was open, some clubs were busy, some were desperate yet unlucky, some didn’t even bother themselves with signings. History has shown us that football is a very unpredictable sport and all we can do is sit back and figure out the signings that are worth their price tags.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s biggest signing of the summer wasn’t a player but a coach. Since the arrival of Unai Emery, the club has been linked with players like Ousmanne Dembele but they only signed Lucas Torreira (MID), Stephan Lichsteiner (DEF), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (MID) ( I hope I got the spelling right!), Bernard Leno (GK) Matteo Guendouzi (MID).The club relaxed after signing the aforementioned payers early in the transfer window, fans around the world clamoured for new signings but it seemed like the club management was content with the number of signings.
Chelsea
Chelsea sacked Antonio Conte and appointed Sarri from Napoli, Jorghinho (MID) followed suit. They also made a massive change in the goalkeeping department, with runaway goalkeeper Courtois forcing them to sign Athletico Bilbao’s Kepa for a record signing fee (£71.6 million). Other significant signings include Robert Greene (GK), and Mateo Kovacic (MID) who joined the club on a season long loan.
Liverpool
Klopp made significant additions to the club’s squad over the summer break. Despite going through the Nabil Fekir ordeal, Liverpool did well for themselves. They strengthened the midfield with Fabinho and Naby Keita. They also signed Xherdan Shaqiri to improve attacking options. The most expensive signing however was Allison (GK), he cost them £65 million (he’s probably going to get nutmegged though).
Manchester City
It wasn’t a surprise that Manchester City had a quiet break. Even without the arrival of Riyad Mahrez (MID), Pep’s squad was almost certainly strong enough to defend their title. If it ain’t broken, don’t try yo fix it.
Manchester United
Red devil fans worldwide were at the receiving end of transfer banters till the very last minute. After signing Fred (MID) and Dalot (DEF), the club failed to strengthen other positions (CB, RW, LB) despite being reportedly linked with a host of other players ( almost a dozen). Will this poor transfer window business come back to haunt the devils themselves? I guess we will find out soon.
Tothenham Hotspuur
For some reasons still unknown to me, this club didn’t sign anyone, they just didn’t care. The club is the first premier league side not to sign a player in the summer transfer window since its introduction in 2003. Are they confident in their squad strength? Were they financially incapable? These questions are still unanswered. I guess the club knows what is best for the club.
Clubs like Everton and Fulham also had eventful summer businesses, the latter bought almost a dozen players. With the premier league starting on the 10th, fans will finally get the see the various signings in action. I can’t wait, can you?
