The summer mercato 2019 is over in England. This summer, Premier League clubs have not been as active as in previous seasons, but some have done some crazy things, including Manchester United with Harry Maguire. Arsenal and Manchester City have also put their hands in their pockets. A look back at the biggest transfers in recent months across the UK.
1. Harry Maguire (€93m, from Leicester City to Manchester United):
In this summer mercato, Manchester United hit hard by recruiting Harry Maguire, the English defender from Leicester City. The Red Devils, who had wanted to bring the international back to Old Trafford since last summer, finally had the last word, but it was necessary to release no less than 93 million euros. With this sum, the 26-year-old became the most expensive defender in football history, surpassing Virgil van Dijk, who was bought by Liverpool from Southampton last year for €84m.
2. Nicolas Pépé (€80m, from LOSC to Arsenal):
Author of a magnificent season with LOSC, the Ivorian international had a release ticket this summer. Wooed by Europe’s biggest teams, the 24-year-old was close to Napoli but finally decided to discover England by making a commitment to Arsenal. And with the €80m spent, Nicolas Pépé is the most expensive recruit in the Gunners’ history.
3. Rodri (€70m, from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City):
To launch their summer mercato, the Citizens hit hard by hiring Rodri, who played for Atletico Madrid. And the English champions didn’t have to negotiate since they simply took out €70m, the price of the 23-year-old’s release clause. Arriving in early July, the Spaniard has already played under his new colours at the Community Shield, which he played in full.
4. Joao Cancelo (€65m, from Juventus to Manchester City):
Thanks to his interesting season at Juventus, the right-back has caught the eye of Manchester City. In an attempt to bring the Portuguese back to Etihad Stadium, the Citizens agreed with the Bianconeri to make an exchange with Danilo. The Manchester United club spent 65M€, while the Old Lady had to spend 37M€ (a capital gain of 28M€). From now on, Joao Cancelo will have to prove himself, while competing with Kyle Walker.
5. Tanguy Ndombele (€62m + €10m bonus, from the OL to Tottenham):
Under Lyon’s jersey, the French international shone brightly last season, attracting Real Madrid and Tottenham. The midfielder was announced in the Casa Blanca’s sights and finally opted for the Spurs, who pulled out the checkbook to recruit him. In England, but also on the European stage with the European vice-champion, the 22-year-old will therefore try to show all his talent.
6. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (€55m, from Crystal Palace to Manchester United):
To bring new blood to the defence, the Manchester United club put their hands to the pocket. In addition to Harry Maguire’s recruitment, London executives pulled out around €55m to hire the services of England’s promising lateral Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was wearing the Crystal Palace jersey. Hoping for MU that the Englishman will achieve the same performance in 2019-2020.
7. Sebastian Haller (€50m, from Eintracht Frankfurt to West Ham):
Trained at AJ Auxerre, the French striker is about to discover a fourth country. After playing in the Netherlands (Utrecht) and Germany (Frankfurt), the 25-year-old decided to try his luck in England by signing for West Ham. The Hammers had to spend around €50 million to recruit the Ris-Orangis native, who scored 20 goals and 12 assists last season with the Eagles in 41 games.
8. Matteo Kovacic (€45m, Real Madrid to Chelsea):
Not necessarily comfortable with Real Madrid, the Croatian international was on loan to the London side last summer. The 25-year-old, who made 51 appearances in 2018-2019, seems to have satisfied the Blues, who have decided to donate around €45m to Casa Blanca to keep the midfielder. Matteo Kovacic will therefore continue his career in the Premier League for a few more years.
9. Youri Tielemans (€45m, from AS Monaco in Leicester City):
A bit like Matteo Kovacic in Chelsea, the Belgian midfielder seduced his new team but in only five months. The 22-year-old, who was loaned by the ASM on 31 January, did some great things with the Foxes, so they decided to keep him. Only eight days after his loan ended, Youri Tielemans became a Leicester City player again, who pulled out several million euros to get him back.
10. Joelinton (€45m, from Hoffenheim to Newcastle United):
On 23 July, the Magpies did not hesitate to write a big check to the German team to secure the services of the Brazilian forward. Thanks to his good performances in Germany, but also in the Champions League, the 22-year-old player’s market value exploded, and the English club paid several million euros to bring him to England. Joelinton has become the most expensive recruit of the Magpies.
Article complet The 10 biggest transfers of the summer in the Premier League Sur L'Express.
