Despite many European heavyweights like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool among others, suffering financially following the ill-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, several Premier League clubs have had money to spend this summer. In fact, 18 of the top 20 transfers in Europe this season involved Premier League clubs.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Chelsea have all spent heavily during this transfer window in order to rejuvenate their squads and add quality all over the park. Let’s take a quick look at the most expensive transfers in the Premier League this season:
JACK GREALISH – ASTON VILLA TO MANCHESTER CITY: 100 MILLION POUNDS
Manchester City made Jack Grealish the most expensive English signing of all time and the most expensive signing of the summer when they triggered his 100-million-pound release clause. The particular clause in Grealish’s Aston Villa contract dictated that if a Champions League club tried to buy him and Aston Villa wasn’t playing in the competition, the club wouldn’t get in his way.
The former Aston Villa captain who took the Number 10 at the Etihad Stadium has had a successful start to his life as a Manchester City player. Despite beginning the season with a shocking 0-1 loss to Tottenham, City got back on track with two dominant performances against Norwich City and Arsenal. Jack Grealish scored the first goal in the colours of Manchester City against Norwich and he also assisted Gabriel Jesus’ goal against Arsenal recently.
City were also in the pursuit of England captain Harry Kane but they failed to change the mind of Daniel Levy who wanted more out of negotiations. They were also involved in a bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo before Manchester United swooped in to ensure his return.
ROMELU LUKAKU – INTER MILAN TO CHELSEA: 97.5 MILLION POUNDS
Romelu Lukaku’s 97.5-million-pound move from Inter Milan to Chelsea was one of the biggest deals of the summer. Chelsea, who replaced Frank Lampard with Thomas Tuchel last season tasted success by winning the Champions League trophy. Tuchel has done incredibly well during his time in-charge at the club and has a clear system.
However, the one thing that he lacked last season was a ruthless scorer to finish the chances created by the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. Timo Werner had never looked like he had adapted to life at Stamford Bridge last year.
With the addition of Romelu Lukaku, who’s among the best strikers in the world, Chelsea have an efficient goal machine who can also contribute significantly to other areas of the attack. Lukaku inspired Inter to the Serie A title last season and was also in brilliant form during the Euros. The Belgian marked his return to Chelsea with a goal inside the first 15 minutes against Arsenal on his debut.
JADON SANCHO – BORUSSIA DORTMUND TO MANCHESTER UNITED: 73 MILLION POUNDS
Manchester United’s long and hard pursuit of Jadon Sancho finally came to a conclusion this summer when Borussia Dortmund agreed to accept the 73 million pounds they were offering. Sancho had come up through the youth academy of United’s neighbours and rivals Manchester City before deciding to join Borussia Dortmund in Germany at a young age.
The 21-year-old is easily among the best youngsters in world football and United will profit from his lethal pace, dribbling, and playmaking abilities on the wing. Sancho has the ability to help the Red Devils hit new heights this season.
BEN WHITE – BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION TO ARSENAL: 50 MILLION POUNDS
Arsenal spent nearly 50 million pounds to bring Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners saw two bids for the 23-year-old being rejected before deciding to break the bank for him. Under Graham Potter at Brighton, Ben White made 39 appearances across all competitions.
It is still unclear why Arsenal spent such a large sum on a defender like Ben White when that money could’ve been used elsewhere and in signing better players. The fact that the Gunners have made a disastrous start to the Premier League – 3 matches, 3 losses, 9 goals conceded, 0 scored – makes it all the more ridiculous.
RAPHAEL VARANE – REAL MADRID TO MANCHESTER UNITED: 41 MILLION POUNDS
In a shocking move, Real Madrid decided to offload both their starting centre-backs this summer. While Sergio Ramos left on a free transfer to PSG, Manchester United swooped in to secure the services of Franch defender Raphael Varane for 41 million pounds!
Varane is a decorated defender who has won the World Cup and has also won four Champions Leagues. He partnered Eder Miliato in the Real Madrid defence last season and it’s not entirely sure why Florentino Perez decided to let go of him since the 28-year-old still had a lot to offer to the Spanish club.
Varane will be an excellent addition to the United backline and will instantly make it more secure and safe.
