As the transfer window closed at 11pm on Friday, football clubs were hurrying to finalise any remaining business. Let’s focus on six noteworthy transactions that took place.
Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United made a significant move in their hunt for a defensive midfielder – a position that has been regarded as a weak spot by many pundits. This quest brought them to Paris St Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, a 23-year-old Uruguayan. The deal, believed to be initially worth £42 million, ensures Ugarte joins the Red Devils until June 2029 with an optional year extension. Originally a league and cup double victor with PSG, Ugarte’s arrival coincides with Scott McTominay’s departure for Napoli.
Raheem Sterling
Subsequent to being sidelined at Chelsea, England’s forward Raheem Sterling was informed by Blues manager Enzo Maresca that he had no future in their major league. Despite running against time to seal a deal elsewhere before the deadline, the 29-year-old successfully made a move to Arsenal. The eighty-two times capped Sterling has joined the Gunners on a season-long loan, announced nearly three hours post the transfer window’s closure.
Ivan Toney
Brentford’s forward Ivan Toney was implicated in one of the more unusual last-minute transfers, moving to Al-Ahli for a rumoured fee of £40 million. This happened after the Saudi Pro League club had seemingly agreed on a deal with Victor Osimhen from Napoli. Despite the rumours, the Nigerian player opted to remain in Italy following an unsuccessful attempt from Chelsea to secure his signature. While Toney’s move entailed a significant financial gain, it’s yet to be determined how this shift will affect his England career.
Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton wrapped up a deal for the goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal, who had fallen out of favour due to the arrival of David Raya. For a reputed fee of £25 million, the 26-year-old England player switched to St Mary’s agreeing on a four-year contract. Having made 89 appearances for Arsenal, Ramsdale aims to reboot his career, both nationally and at his new club on the south coast.
Eddie Nketiah…
Crystal Palace secured 25-year-old forward Nketiah, a notable exit from the Emirates Stadium, for an alleged fee of £30 million. Having signed a contract for five years with the Eagles, Nketiah becomes their fifth acquisition of the summer and joins French back-player Maxence Lacroix. With a career record of 38 goals in 168 matches, he joined from Chelsea’s junior programme. However, his chances to play as a first-team member in North London were predicted to dwindle this season.
As for Armando Broja, a surprise ensued right before the window deadline with Everton signing the Chelsea forward. He is set for a season’s loan with an option to finalise a permanent move by the subsequent summer. Initially, it seemed that the 22-year-old Albanian international would join Premier League newcomers, Ipswich. However, earlier in the day, Everton – having already transferred Neal Maupay to Marseilles – lodged a deal sheet just before the cut-off. Regrettably for Everton supporters, Broja is predicted to be sidelined until mid-October due to a foot injury.