The transfer window in England is now shut, with clubs up and down the country having been working frantically in order to both sign and move on players ahead of the new competitive season. Whilst the demands of both domestic and European clubs meant that there was perhaps not quite as much business as usual, a host of big-money transfers were still completed during the summer months, with the Premier League set to be more competitive than ever as a result. So, let’s take a look at most expensive Premier League transfers to have been completed during this year’s summer window.
Harry Maguire
Despite having missed out on his signing 12 months ago when Jose Mourinho was in charge, Manchester United finally secured the services of Harry Maguire after paying Leicester City an estimated £80 million for the England defender. The former Sheffield United and Hull City man was hopefully a move would come to fruition, having also been linked to Premier League champions Manchester City, with his arrival at Old Trafford set to see him play alongside fellow newcomer Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a back four. After United shipped 54 goals in the top-flight last season, the most in their history, fans at the Theatre of Dreams will be hoping that the arrival of Magurie will make them much more solid at the back, whilst their new No.5 will also be hoping to show his threat from set pieces too, having scored five times for the Foxes during his time at the King Power Stadium.
Rodri
Despite having won the title for the second consecutive year, it did not stop Manchester City paying one of the highest fees paid for players this summer when they announced the signing of Spanish international Rodri. The midfielder is seen as the long-term successor to Fernandinho, however he is expected to make an instant impact having arrived from Atletico Madrid for around £65 million. Known for his excellent passing range and positional play, the 23-year-old could well be part of a formidable City side this season, who will look to compete in all competitions under Pep Guardiola.
Nicolas Pepe
Having missed out on Wilfried Zaha, Arsenal strengthened their attack by bringing in Nicolas Pepe from Lille, with the Ivory Coast international having impressed immensely in Ligue 1 over the last 12 months. The 24-year-old was linked with some of European football’s biggest clubs before eventually completing his move to North London, with the Gunners having splashed out a club record £72 million in the process. Pepe could well form a front three alongside both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, something that will strike fear into the heart of Premier League defences across the country.
Tanguy Ndombele
After reaching the Champions League final for the first time in their history, many expected big things from Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer window, with the arrival of Tanguy Ndombele having kicked things off for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The Frenchman made the switch from Lyon to north London for a fee of around £60 million, smashing their previous record fee in the process. Ndombele is likely to form a new-look midfield for Spurs alongside fellow new arrival Giovani Lo Celso, who signed from Real Betis on deadline day. The transfers of such players is likely to have a knock-on effect across Europe, with clubs outside of England still having a few weeks in order to conclude deals. You can place bets on the next star to switch teams at these popular and rated bookies.
Joao Cancelo
Portuguese international Cancelo became the most expensive full-back in history when he moved to Manchester City, with the Premier League champions having paid Juventus £60 million for his services. Brazilian Danilo moved in the opposite direction in a separate deal, with Cancelo set to battle it out with Kyle Walker for the right-back spot at the Etihad Stadium. The 25-year-old has starred for the likes of Valencia, Inter Milan and the Old Lady over recent years, with Guardiola now having a squad packed full of talent in each position.