Another chaotic and exciting transfer window full of twists and turns is behind us in the Premier League. Nothing new when it comes to English clubs. Once again, they spent the most (over 2.355 billion euros), with Chelsea leading the way by splashing out another 261 million, yet still failing to secure their top target. Surprisingly, Brighton followed closely, more than doubling their own spending record! The champion, Manchester City, had one of their most modest windows, as did Liverpool, from whom much more was expected after the change in management. Arsenal focused on refining the details that they lacked last season to compete for the title. Tottenham broke their club record to sign Dominic Solanke, hoping he could replace Harry Kane, while Erik ten Hag gathered even more of his ex-players from Ajax. The most disappointing transfer window from all the top 10 clubs is reserved for Newcastle, while Aston Villa and West Ham just got stronger. MANCHESTER CITY This was by far Manchester City’s most modest transfer window, not just in the Pep Guardiola era but since the petrodollars began “flowing” into the blue side of Manchester. Not since June 2006 have the Citizens been so restrained in the transfer market. This can be justified by the fact that Pep Guardiola’s existing squad is fully equipped to compete for trophies on multiple fronts, but it can also be rationalized by City’s desire to tidy up their financial records. We know the club is already burdened with 115 charges related to breaches of financial sustainability and profit rules and is anxiously awaiting a verdict that could be handed down as early as the start of 2025.This August, only two players arrived at the Etihad, both of whom should perfectly fit into Guardiola’s team. There’s little need to discuss Ilkay Gündoğan—Guardiola adores him like a brother, values his footballing genius, and has repeatedly emphasized that Gündoğan was one of the most crucial pieces in their treble-winning campaign. So, after Barcelona decided to part ways with the German’s hefty salary, Ilkay knocked on the doors he knew well. He didn’t even have to knock because, as far as Pep is concerned, those doors are always open for him.You’re my Wonderwall 🩵 … not just @Oasis is loving comebacks! Back home with the Music that hits home! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/EoVVDGGUEG— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 30, 2024 Before the German, in the early stages of the window, Savinho was signed following his breakout season with Girona, which he helped to qualify for the Champions League. His first two appearances in the Premier League already hinted that the light-footed winger, signed from Troyes for 25 million euros, would be a serious reinforcement. Many see the agile Brazilian as the embodiment of Riyad Mahrez, and we know how significant the Algerian was in Guardiola’s system.City’s long-standing policy of not hindering the departure of unhappy players led to the farewell of Julián Álvarez, who surpassed Raheem Sterling (56 million) to become the Citizens’ new record sale (75 million + 15 million). The Argentine moved to Atlético Madrid, and City went in search of a low-cost replacement. Names like Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi and Copenhagen’s Orri Óskarsson (19) were mentioned, but the Citizens ultimately decided that Erling Haaland alone was enough for their title defence.Pep admits that selling Alvarez was ‘maybe a mistake’Arrivals (25 million): Savinho (Troyes, 25 million), Gündoğan (Barcelona, free transfer)Departures (141 million): Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid, 75 million), João Cancelo (Al Hilal, 25 million), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton, 23 million), Sergio Gómez (Real Sociedad, 9 million), Tommy Doyle (Wolverhampton, 5 million),Yan Couto (Borussia Dortmund, loan 4 million), Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich, loan), Máximo Perrone (Como, loan) ARSENALIf we agree that Arsenal fell short in last season’s title race due to a few small details, the club’s sporting sector focused on addressing exactly those details this time around. This wasn’t a bombastic summer at the Emirates like last year when they spent a total of 230 million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber; instead, this time the club aimed to complete their championship puzzle. The two pieces that Mikel Arteta deemed necessary were Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.Mikel Arteta “fell in love” with the Italian defender at first sight—”I saw something special… An aura, charisma, a presence that wasn’t just about playing ability. He was 21 at the time and showed reactions completely uncharacteristic of a 21-year-old,” said Arteta after Arsenal signed the Italian international for 45 million. Calafiori was brought in to do what the makeshift left-back Jakub Kiwior couldn’t—bring solidity, stability, and calm to the left side of the pitch. The same characteristics are expected of Mikel Merino in midfield. The transfer of the Spanish international from Real Sociedad cost the Gunners 32 million, but it’s not a steep price if they get a player who will immediately fit in and form a powerful midfield trio with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, capable of competing with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne.The best is yet to come.Welcome to north London, Raheem Sterling ✨ pic.twitter.com/K2YhkSepAp— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2024 Arteta has repeatedly emphasized that Arsenal is well-stocked in the forward position with Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, and while the possibility of signing a winger to relieve Bukayo Saka was mentioned early in the transfer window (Leroy Sané was rumored), by the penultimate day, there was a rumour about Kingsley Coman. However, in the end, Raheem Sterling arrived in North London. The club hierarchy, along with Mikel Arteta, deliberated from August 30 on whether they needed Chelsea’s winger, and when they realized that his experience in big matches and title races could be invaluable, they rushed and completed the transfer just in time. The deal was finalized a few hours after midnight.Arsenal ended the June transfer window with three new faces. Technically, they surpassed the 100 million mark in spending, but only because David Raya, who joined the club on loan a year ago, was purchased outright. Due to this, Aaron Ramsdale had to move to Southampton for minutes, just three years after arriving from Sheffield United, and he’ll be replaced by Neto, who was loaned out to the Gunners after Espanyol demanded 30 million for Joan García.A surprise at midnight: Sterling signs for ArsenalArrivals (108.9 million): Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna, 45 million), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad, 32 million), David Raya (Brentford, 31.9 million), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea, loan), Neto (Bournemouth, loan) Departures (82.9 million): Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham, 31.8 million), Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace, 29.7 million), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton, 21.4 million), Mohamed Elneny (Al Jazira, free transfer), Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham, free transfer), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Sevilla, loan), Nuno Tavares (Lazio, loan), Fábio Vieira (Porto, loan), Karl Hein (Valladolid, loan), Cédric Soares (contract expired), Reiss Nelson (Fulham, loan)CHELSEAThe madness at Stamford Bridge shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Chelsea spent more money this June than any other Premier League club. However, to be fair, they also made the most money from player sales. What is hard to explain is the apparent need to hoard players. Last year, they bought two goalkeepers, and they did the same this year. They splurged on wingers last year, and this year was not much different. Although Enzo Maresca made it clear that he plans to use only about twenty players, those labelled as surplus could easily disrupt the team’s harmony with their dissatisfaction. In a squad of around forty first-team players, there are quite a few of them.Such a way of doing business comes with consequences, and as expected, Chelsea found itself on the list of clubs that had to generate profit to be able to strengthen their squad. The easiest way to do this was to sell their academy graduates, with four out of six players who brought money into the club’s coffers having come through the Blues’ academy (Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson). Additionally, they offloaded several players with hefty contracts, like Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Romelu Lukaku, and Thiago Silva. The departure of the latter hit the London club the hardest, making the signing of a new centre-back a priority, which Chelsea completed before the transfer window opened by signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham on a free transfer.Pedro Neto & Joao Felix #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/UwaPA0J3sn— ُ (@WallpapersHQ_) August 25, 2024 The second priority was bringing in a new centre-forward as they deemed Nicolas Jackson needed support. Marc Guiu was brought in from Barcelona but as a prospect for the future. The club wanted a proven striker, and in their search, they largely failed. It’s hard to recall all the players they tried to sign (Samu Omorodion, John Duran, Ivan Toney, Dominic Calvert-Lewin…). Their most persistent pursuit was for Victor Osimhen, negotiating with Napoli until the very last minute of the transfer window, but they couldn’t reach an agreement. West London will be disappointed, although, if you ask us, it might not be such a big loss. Jackson, who has been looking better since the end of last season, might have been stifled. Chelsea has still signed several high-profile reinforcements in Pedro Neto, João Félix, and Jadon Sancho. This trio could bring a lot to the London club, provided that Neto avoids injuries and the other two get their heads straight and start playing to their potential.Serie A: Juve spent, Inter saved, Roma bought, Napoli fought, was Milan’s coach a good choice or not?Other players who could have a more serious role include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who Maresca brought with him from Leicester, Filip Jörgensen and Renato Veiga, whose versatility – left-back and defensive midfielder – could help Marc Cucurella on the flank since Maresca doesn’t count on Ben Chilwell.Arrivals (261,000,000): Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton, 60,000,000), João Félix (Atlético Madrid, 52,000,000), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester, 35,400,000), Filip Jörgensen (Villarreal, 24,500,000), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa, 22,500,000), Mike Penders (Genk, 20,000,000), Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors, 16,500,000), Renato Veiga (Basel, 14,000,000), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta, 10,100,000), Marc Guiu (Barcelona, 6,000,000), Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham, free transfer).Departures (175,000,000): Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa, 44,500,000), Conor Gallagher (Atlético Madrid, 42,000,000), Lewis Hall (Newcastle, 33,000,000), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli, 30,000,000), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich, 23,500,000), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg, 2,000,000), Thiago Silva (Fluminense, free transfer), Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray, free transfer), Malang Sarr (Lens, free transfer), Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors, loan), Mike Penders (Genk, loan), Alfie Gilchrist (Sheffield United, loan), Gabriel Slonina (Barnsley, loan), Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg, loan), Lesley Ugochukwu (Southampton, loan), Bashir Humphreys (Burnley, loan), Tino Anjorin (Empoli, free transfer), Djordje Petrović (Strasbourg, loan), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bournemouth, loan), Armando Broja (Everton, loan).LIVERPOOLWhat initially seemed like a potential disappointment ended up with a somewhat satisfactory outcome, although not in the way Liverpool fans had hoped. When a manager’s era ends, fans expect significant changes from the new one. However, Arne Slot, upon taking charge this May, emphasized several times that he was pleased with the team he inherited from Jürgen Klopp. He preferred to focus on the talent at his disposal rather than delve into the transfer market, stating that any new signings would only be considered if they met the very high standards set at Anfield.Salah announces departure from Anfield: This is my last year at LiverpoolThat said, it doesn’t mean Liverpool planned for a quiet transfer window. Wataru Endo did not impress Slot during the pre-season, which created a need for a new “number six”. A centre-back was also desired for several reasons (Joel Matip leaving the club, Virgil van Dijk entering the final year of his contract, Ibrahima Konaté frequently injured, Jarell Quansah inexperienced, and Joe Gomez on the verge of departure), but Liverpool ultimately failed to reinforce either position. They were willing to activate the release clause in Martín Zubimendi’s contract, only for the Spanish midfielder to decline and remain at Real Sociedad. They also lost the race for Lenny Yoro to Manchester United. When their primary targets became unattainable, Liverpool decided not to rush and sign players just for the sake of it. As a result, they went without any signings until three days before the transfer window closed, but they made amends in the last 72 hours by signing two players.Federico is a Red 😍 pic.twitter.com/WzhDN4VCPU— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2024 Giorgi Mamardashvili was brought in as a future replacement for Alisson (having turned down several offers from Saudi Arabia), but after signing the contract, he stayed at Valencia for another year. The other signing was Federico Chiesa, brought in for just 12 million to add depth on the right wing, the only attacking position lacking it. Slot has used Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo on the left wing and Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez as central forwards early in the season. English media see this move as a way for the Dutch coach to help Mohamed Salah stay fresh throughout the season, especially with Liverpool also competing in the Champions League. If Chiesa can avoid injuries, he could be a significant asset, particularly as Slot’s style of play seems to suit his game.Arrivals (42,000,000): Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia, 30,000,000), Federico Chiesa (Juventus, 12,000,000)Departures (47,000,000): Sepp van den Berg (Brentford, 23,600,000), Fábio Carvalho (Brentford, 23,400,000), Adrián (Betis, free transfer), Calvin Ramsay (Wigan, loan), Stefan Bajčetić (Salzburg, loan), Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia, loan), Rhys Williams (Morecambe, loan), Ben Doak (Middlesbrough, loan), Nat Phillips (Derby, loan), Joel Matip (free agent), Thiago Alcântara (retired)MANCHESTER UNITEDManchester United fans could quickly get used to this way of running their club. The first transfer window with INEOS as a co-owner leading football operations was a stark contrast to previous years. United made timely signings, securing those initially targeted as ‘right’ for the team, and for a change, they managed to offload excess players permanently. Casemiro stayed, but his performances last season clearly indicated he was ready for a move to Saudi Arabia, making the acquisition of a new defensive midfielder a priority for United. Enter Manuel Ugarte. The Manchester club pursued him for weeks, nearly giving up at one point due to Paris Saint-Germain’s high price tag, but eventually relented and paid 50 million (with an additional 10 million possible through bonuses). Ugarte could be the most significant signing at Old Trafford this season, though he wasn’t the most expensive. That title belongs to Lenny Yoro, a supremely talented centre-back whom United managed to lure to the Theatre of Dreams despite the player’s strong desire to join Real Madrid. However, Madrid wasn’t interested in entering any bidding wars, while United met Lille’s asking price and, in the end, seemingly overpaid for the 18-year-old Frenchman, who was in the final year of his contract…New city, same determination ✍️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/8DC2zMCKh3— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2024 Manchester United was keen to strengthen its centre-back positions and was prepared to pay well for Jarrad Branthwaite (60,000,000), but not as much as Everton demanded (80,000,000). Instead, they opted for a cheaper (45,000,000) and more reliable option for Erik ten Hag in the form of Matthijs de Ligt. Along with him, Noussair Mazraoui also arrived from Bayern Munich, a player who could be tactically significant for Ten Hag as he can cover both full-back positions where United has had long-standing issues. This way, the Dutch coach continued to “collect” his former Ajax students across Europe, now having five of them in his “collection” (Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana…).The Dutch colony in the red part of Manchester was further expanded by Joshua Zirkzee. The Bologna revelation and striker of an unusual profile was a strong desire of the English club, which needed a new forward to compete with Rasmus Højlund after Anthony Martial’s departure. United thus covered all pressing positions and entered the season better prepared, with the additional bonus of practically covering half the cost by selling players who were on the fringes of the team or not in Ten Hag’s plans—like Jadon Sancho—thus significantly easing the squad and the wage bill. ‘Good business’ at Old Trafford: Spend 300 million, earn ten times lessArrivals (214,500,000): Lenny Yoro (Lille, 62,000,000), Manuel Ugarte (PSG, 50,000,000), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern, 45,000,000), Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna, 42,500,000), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern, 15,000,000)Departures (103,000,000): Scott McTominay (Napoli, 30,500,000), Mason Greenwood (Marseille, 26,000,000), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, 17,600,000), Willy Kambwala (Villarreal, 10,000,000), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley, 6,400,000), Álvaro Carreras (Benfica, 6,000,000), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos, 6,000,000), Donny van de Beek (Girona, 500,000), Jadon Sancho (Chelsea, loan), Omari Forson (Monza, free transfer), Raphaël Varane (Como, free transfer), Anthony Martial (free agent), Brandon Williams (free agent)TOTTENHAMWhat Tottenham lost last June, they tried to make up for in the recently concluded transfer window. A year after Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern, the void was, at least on paper, filled by Dominic Solanke for 64,300,000 (Bournemouth could earn another 12,000,000 in bonuses), making him the biggest signing in the London club’s history.If the former Bournemouth star is a proven Premier League acquisition, everything else Tottenham did this August was an investment in the future. Three great talents arrived at the new White Hart Lane. Whether midfielder Archie Gray (18) from Leeds, costing 41,250,000, was overpaid or not, time will tell, and the same goes for the teenage winger Wilson Odobert, who cost nearly 30,000,000 from Burnley. But if anyone was a gamble worth taking, it’s certainly Swedish youngster Lukas Bergvall. The young man, wanted by Barcelona, Inter, and several other European giants, ended up in North London from Djurgården in a 10,000,000 transfer. Preparations for the match against Bayern showed that he is a teenager with golden potential.Welcome to #Tottenham Hotspur, Dominic Solanke! 🏴🤍 pic.twitter.com/N8hg3AUywG— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) August 10, 2024 The London club tried earlier in the transfer window to secure Conor Gallagher and Jacob Ramsey, and those two failed attempts slightly tarnished the impression of an otherwise very interesting transfer window. Tottenham spent nearly 150,000,000 this year, earning a third of that amount and skillfully offloading surplus players. In earlier rounds, they parted ways with key figures like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Emerson Royal, Joe Rodon, Eric Dier, Tanguy Ndombele, and Ryan Sessegnon. In the final days of the transfer window, the Spurs sent Manor Solomon and Giovani Lo Celso out on loan.Arrivals (144,850,000): Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth, 64,300,000), Archie Gray (Leeds United, 41,250,000), Wilson Odobert (Burnley, 29,300,000), Lukas Bergvall (Djurgården, 10,000,000)Departures (55,300,000): Oliver Skipp (Leicester, 23,500,000), Emerson Royal (Milan, 15,000,000), Joe Rodon (Leeds United, 11,800,000), Giovani Lo Celso (Betis, 5,000,000), Ivan Perišić (Hajduk Split, free transfer), Eric Dier (Bayern Munich, free transfer), Tanguy Ndombele (Nice, free transfer), Japhet Tanganga (Millwall, free transfer), Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham, free transfer), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Marseille, loan), Manor Solomon (Leeds, loan), Bryan Gil (Girona, loan), Alejo Véliz (Espanyol, loan), Dane Scarlett (Oxford, loan), Ashley Phillips (Stoke City, loan)NEWCASTLEThree seasons of frantic spending have caught up with them. Pressured by the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, Newcastle was unable to do much in the market this time around. Hence, it’s no surprise that ahead of the visit to his former club, Bournemouth, Eddie Howe remarked that the just-concluded transfer window was “the toughest he had experienced in his coaching career “.Tonali: ‘I’m a new player!’Howe had two major wishes: a new centre-back (Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles injured) and a right-winger (Miguel Almirón was unrecognizable last season and Jacob Murphy was deemed not good enough for a starter). However, Marc Guéhi, Newcastle’s absolute priority in the transfer window, and his price of around 75,000,000 made attacking reinforcements impossible. In fact, Newcastle almost further weakened their attack as, according to The Athletic, they had agreed on a swap with Liverpool in June, where Joe Gomez would move to St. James’ Park for 53,000,000, and Anthony Gordon would go to Anfield for 90,000,000. The aforementioned rule forced them into this desperate move, but Newcastle’s management ultimately found a less painful solution, filling the coffers with the sales of promising youngsters Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) for a combined total of over 75,000,000.Newcastle fans after seeing the Marc Guehi deal is off. pic.twitter.com/xM8pEYmOf3— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 29, 2024 The deals made in late June drew significant attention from the island’s public, as it became clear that the mentioned clubs were doing each other favours to avoid penalties from the Premier League. Newcastle, in turn, had to accommodate Nottingham Forest and purchased Odysseas Vlachodimos for 23,600,000, despite having previously set their sights on Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford. The talented striker William Osula, alongside Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, is considered a future asset. Lloyd Kelly is more of a “rotation player,” though quite valuable due to his ability to cover multiple defensive positions. Thus, it appears that Newcastle has not significantly improved its starting lineup. For Eddie Howe’s consolation, at least Sandro Tonali’s suspension has expired.Arrivals (69,000,000): Lewis Hall (Chelsea, buyout 33,000,000), Odysseas Vlachodimos (Nottingham Forest, 23,600,000), William Osula (Sheffield United, 11,600,000), Miodrag Pivaš (Jedinstvo Ub, 800,000), Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth, free transfer), John Ruddy (Birmingham, free transfer)Departures (76,200,000): Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest, 41,200,000), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton, 35,000,000), Loris Karius (free agent), Jeff Hendrick (free agent), Paul Dummett (free agent), Ryan Fraser (Southampton, free transfer)ASTON VILLAAston Villa managed its transfer business efficiently and on time, showing that it is a meticulous and exemplary student. By the time the team left for their pre-season tour in the United States, they had already brought in eight new players. No new faces arrived at Villa Park between then and the end of the transfer window, so Unai Emery conducted the full pre-season with the squad that would simultaneously compete in both the Premier League and the Champions League.Villa spent considerable sums but also filled the coffers well, striking a good balance between income and expenditure, and managed to offset departures with appropriate reinforcements. For example, Douglas Luiz’s move to Juventus was immediately countered by the signing of Amadou Onana.Two goals in three games for Amadou Onana ⌚️👑#UpTheVilla pic.twitter.com/61pENuHj5Q— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 31, 2024 The most interesting addition to Villa is undoubtedly Ian Maatsen. Not only because of his impressive performance with Dortmund last season but also because he arrived in Birmingham as a special wish of Unai Emery. Some transfers were part of the usual (and legal) financial balancing between clubs, as discussed earlier this June. Arrivals (176.2 million):Amadou Onana (Everton, 59.35 million), Ian Maatsen (Chelsea, 44.5 million), Cameron Archer (Sheffield United, 16.65 million), Jaden Philogene (Hull City, 16 million), Samuel Iling Junior (Juventus, 14 million), Lewis Dobbin (Everton, 11.8 million), Enzo Barrenechea (Juventus, 8 million), Ross Barkley (Luton, 5.9 million).Aston Villa snatch Onana and become the biggest spender in Europe!Departures (145 million): Moussa Diaby (Al-Ittihad, 60 million), Douglas Luiz (Juventus, 51.5 million), Cameron Archer (Southampton, 17.6 million), Tim Iroegbunam (Everton, 10.7 million), Morgan Sanson (Nice, 4 million), Viljami Sinisalo (Celtic, 1.2 million), Calum Chambers (Cardiff, free transfer), Samuel Iling Junior (Bologna, loan), Álex Moreno (Nottingham Forest, loan), Philippe Coutinho (Vasco da Gama, loan), Lino Sousa (Bristol Rovers, loan), Kaine Kesler Hayden (Preston, loan), Lewis Dobbin (West Bromwich Albion, loan), Filip Marschall (Crewe, loan). BRIGHTONWhen people see the impact Brighton made in the football market this June, many will wonder if there was any rationale behind so many transfers. Did the Seagulls buy strategically or haphazardly? Did they need to spend as extravagantly as Chelsea? Brighton spent 231.2 million, more than doubling their previous spending record, making them the second biggest spender of the summer transfer window. Who would have expected that? Naturally, scepticism is understandable and rational, especially knowing that they paid nearly 50 million for a second-division striker, Georginio Rutter, and over 30 million for an unproven German winger, Bryan Gruda, with just 30 Bundesliga appearances.However, it’s important to note that Brighton embarked on an ambitious project this May with a promising 31-year-old coach, Fabian Hürzeler, and the results of his work were already visible in the early stages of the Premier League. Brighton’s sporting department worked to increase squad depth, filling gaps in virtually every position and forming a powerful, young, and hungry legion of foreign players at the Amex Stadium. This team is expected to bring both results and profit from future sales over time.Brighton’s 2024 summer transfer window:9 permanent signings from 8 different leaguesAverage age 20.8, all signings U25Club record fee broken twice€231m spent (£194m) — most in one window in club history and second-most in PL this summer💸 #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/gpqCH9E8JW— Albion Analytics (@AlbionAnalytics) August 30, 2024 Brighton brought in eight players in this transfer window, none older than 24, with an average age of 21.25 years, indicating the direction this team wants to take. If there is any flaw in the Seagulls’ transfer window, which saw them bring in the Euro revelation Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Celtic’s double-double machine Matt O’Riley, and Feyenoord’s workhorse Mats Wieffer, it’s perhaps the absence of a veteran presence in the third-youngest team in the Premier League. With Adam Lallana and Pascal Groß gone, it’s no surprise that Brighton was interested in Mats Hummels. Still, their Premier League start suggests that this team might thrive without experience, playing boldly and fearlessly with youthful energy.Arrivals (231.2 million): Georginio Rutter (Leeds, 46.7 million), Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle, 35 million), Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord, 32 million), Bryan Gruda (Mainz, 31.5 million), Matt O’Riley (Celtic, 29.5 million), Ibrahim Osman (Nordsjælland, 19.5 million), Malik Junior Jallow (Göteborg, 7 million), Amario Cozier-Duberry (Arsenal U21, free transfer).Departures (48.29 million): Deniz Undav (Stuttgart, 26.7 million), Billy Gilmour (Napoli, 14 million), Pascal Groß (Borussia Dortmund, 7 million), Marc Leonard (Birmingham, 590,000), Adam Lallana (Southampton, free transfer), Valentín Barco (Sevilla, loan), Ibrahim Osman (Feyenoord, loan), Kacper Kozłowski (Gaziantep), Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester, loan), Andrew Moran (Stoke, loan), Abdallah Sima (Brest, loan), Tom McGill (MK Dons, loan), Steven Alzate (contract expired).WEST HAMWest Ham gave a lot of control to Julen Lopetegui, the man who replaced David Moyes. After five years, when a coach leaves, established ideas go with him, and new ones take their place. The biggest casualty of this managerial change in East London is James Ward-Prowse. Irreplaceable last season, he became surplus under Lopetegui, who replaced him with Guido Rodríguez, signed on a free transfer. It’s no surprise that the Argentine might form a midfield partnership with Carlos Soler, Lopetegui’s compatriot, who signed for West Ham at the last minute.West Ham United’s incomings this transfer window:🇧🇷 Luis Guilherme🏴 Wes Foderingham🏴 Max Kilman🇳🇱 Crysencio Summerville🇩🇪 Niclas Füllkrug🇦🇷 Guido Rodríguez🇫🇷 Jean-Clair Todibo🏴 Aaron Wan-Bissaka🇪🇸 Carlos SolerRate our incomings out of 10.✍️⚒️ #WHUFC #COYI pic.twitter.com/zwQPfmQG3h— West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews_) August 30, 2024 Lopetegui also received a brand-new defence, which is almost complete. Max Kilman was brought in from Wolverhampton for nearly 50 million, Jean-Clair Todibo was snatched from under Juventus’ nose, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arrived from Manchester United. But that’s not all; the wings were strengthened with the expensive additions of Crysencio Summerville from Leeds and the talented Brazilian Luiz Guilherme, a gem from Palmeiras.The icing on the cake was the signing of Niclas Füllkrug. Neither Atlético Madrid nor Milan, but West Ham managed to secure the German striker. For years, the theory that the London club cannot find the right striker has been hammered in, and the German international is expected to finally put an end to this notorious practice in the English capital.West Ham let go of the best set-piece taker in England too easilyArrivals (144.4 million): Max Kilman (Wolves, 47.5 million), Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United, 29.3 million), Niclas Füllkrug (Borussia Dortmund, 27 million), Luiz Guilherme (Palmeiras, 23 million), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United, 17.6 million), Carlos Soler (PSG, loan), Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis, free transfer), Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice, loan), Wes Foderingham (Sheffield United, free transfer), Mamadou Kanté (Paris).Departures (44.75 million): Flynn Downes (Southampton, 17.85 million), Saïd Benrahma (Lyon, 14.4 million), Thilo Kehrer (Monaco, 11 million), Nathan Trott (Copenhagen, 1.5 million), Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad, loan), Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s, free transfer), Ben Johnson (Ipswich, free transfer), Mamadou Kanté (Paris, loan), Angelo Ogbonna (contract expired), Divin Mubama (contract expired), James Ward-Prowse (Nottingham Forest, loan).##NAJAVA_MECA_8312452##
