The transfer window has now shut and clubs around Europe have concluded their dealings for the up coming season. We'll of course have our say on the transfers of Messi and Ronaldo in a later article, but I take a quick look at some of the most interesting transfer completed this summer.
Marcel Sabitzer
Position: Midfielder
Country: Austria
Deal: RB Leipzig to Bayern Munich - £13.7m
A target for many of Europe's top clubs for the last couple of seasons now, it was always reported that a Premier League team would be his next destination. The Austrian international has been one of the top performers in the Bundesliga in recent years, and more recently in the Champions League, helping RB Leipzig pip Manchester United to second place in the group stages and reaching the round of 16 where they were eventually eliminated by Liverpool. He'll have to impress at Bayern who no doubt will be strong favorites for the Bundesliga once again.
Name: Romelu Lukaku
Position: Striker
Country: Belguim
Deal: Inter Milan to Chelsea - £103.5m
A transfer that not only pleases every Chelsea fan around the world but a dream come true for the Belgian forward who was released by Chelsea back in 2014. Since then he has made a name for himself world wide roving himself in the Premier League and most recently Serie A and always spoke about his love for Chelsea and a possible return wouldn't be out of th question. Well that time has come and Lukaku is one of the most prolific strikers in the world over the last few seasons. He last graced the Premier League with Manchester United scoring 28 goals in 66 appearances, leaving in 2019. He'll no doubt score a lot more with The Blues and will challenge for the golden boot.
Name: Jack Grealish
Position: Creative Midfielder
Country: England
Deal: Aston Villa to Manchester City - £100m
It was no secret to anyone that Manchester City would make a move to try and sign Jack Grealish this summer. The England midfielder impressed last season at his boyhood club Aston Villa scoring 6 goals and providing 10 assists. His contribution at Euro 2020 was noticed too, helping his country reach the final and announcing himself on the world stage. Now 25 years old he'll be going into his 'prime years' and no doubt winning trophies is what he's there to help City do.
4. Bryan Gill
Position: Winger
Country: Spain
Deal: Sevilla to Tottenham Hotspur - £22.5m
A surprise signing as Gill was never a name on the lips of Tottenham fans prior to the days before the transfer was completed but he's already showing glimpses of what he can do at Spurs. The Spaniard showed his speed and technical ability in brief appearances in La Liga more so during his time at Tokyo 2020 games, installing himself as an important part of the team. A traditional 'old-school' winger who is always looking to get past his man and wth the speed and dribbling ability, always looking for that cross into the box. A good replacement for Erik Lamela who went the other way, Gill was one of the nominees for the 'Golden Boy Award' for 2021. Spurs could have found a gem for the coming years.
Name: Jadon Sancho
Position: Winger
Country: England
Deal: Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United - £76.5m
At just 18 years of age Jadon wasn't prepared to wait for his time to make an impact with Manchester City, and knew given the quality of talent around him, it was going to be very difficult to force his way into the first team. Such was the confidence in his ability he rejected a new contract from Manchester City and explored other options. The result? Establishing himself with one of Germany's top clubs, Borussia Dortmund. He became one of the best young players in the league and fast forward 3 years he's now an England international and back in the Premier league with Manchester United where he'll have a lot to prove.
Name: Raphael Varane
Position: Defender
Country: France
Deal: Real Madrid to Manchester United - £36m
There's not much more that can be said for Raphaël Verane that hasn't been said already. One of the most consistent and successful center backs of this generation, the French defender proudly boasts an trophy cabinet including a World Cup winner medal and 4 Champions League titles, amongst others. He comes into a Manchester United team seemingly plagued with center back issues in recent years, with the general consensus being that they have never found a suitable partner for Harry Maguire. Lindelöf and Bailey have come in but the problems in the back line were still there last season despite a 2nd place finish, and United fans will be hoping Varane's addition will improve their fortunes at the back.
Name: Antoine Griezmann
Country: France
Position: Striker / Creative Midfielder
Deal: Barcelona to Atletico Madrid - Season Long loan with obligation to buy (£36m).
Much has been made of Barcelona's financial dealings over the past decade or so and it appears that the bubble has now burst. Gone is their diminutive Argentine Lionel Messi, now playing his trade in France's Ligue 1 with PSG and now their French forward, who only joined from Atletico in 2019, returns to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium after a relatively unsuccessful stint at the Nou Camp. Under a lot of pressure while at Barcelona which was heightened more when Barca let Luis Suarez move the opposite way to Atletico. Whether or not he can rediscover the form he had during his last spell with Los Colchoneros but one thing is for certain, the fans will be delighted to see him back and with that support behind the player and team, I expect Griezmann to be a valuable asset for the club 2021 / 2022 season once again.
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