The recent transfer window, filled with extraordinary drama, has concluded, seeing numerous European football giants make significant moves. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, notably shattered the British transfer record twice, investing over half a billion dollars to further solidify their formidable squad.
Manchester also witnessed a thrilling deadline day, with both United and City securing new goalkeepers. Manchester City`s acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma, a European champion for both club and country, from Paris Saint-Germain, stands out as perhaps the most high-profile. Beyond the Premier League`s usual transfer frenzy, other major clubs were busy: Inter signed Manuel Akanji, Juventus brought in two new players, and Napoli also made notable moves.
Let`s recap some of the key winners and losers from this frenetic period:
The Winners
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak emerged victorious in his standoff with football`s wealthiest owners. Newcastle had maintained their star striker was not for sale, demanding over $200 million. When Liverpool`s initial bid was rejected, and they turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike, Isak could have been concerned. Despite potential PSR constraints, Newcastle`s financial backing from Saudi Arabia`s PIF meant they could have forced Isak to either stay or face a period on the sidelines before the World Cup.
However, Isak remained steadfast and was rewarded with a dramatic, last-minute transfer. His $169 million move to Liverpool will undoubtedly bring immense pressure, yet it offers the pinnacle of a footballer`s aspirations. At 25, he joins one of football`s elite clubs, where he has a genuine opportunity to compete for major honors. His peak years are expected to align perfectly with those of many teammates, and his playing style is clearly well-suited; Ekitike, initially seen as a backup option if Isak wasn`t acquired, has already proven to be a seamless fit in Arne Slot`s system.
Juventus
Igor Tudor`s strong start to the season with two consecutive wins has been bolstered by the additions of Eden Zhegrova and Lois Openda to his attack. The logic behind Zhegrova`s signing is clear: his proven synergy with Jonathan David at Lille suggests they could quickly form a potent partnership in Turin. With Nicolas Gonzalez departing for Atletico Madrid after a productive 2024-25 Serie A season (three goals, two assists), Zhegrova is expected to provide strong competition to Francisco Conceicao on the right wing.
Lois Openda represents a smart striking acquisition for Juventus. While the Belgian had a subdued 2024-25 season at RB Leipzig, he`s fresh off a 24-goal Bundesliga campaign. Openda`s exceptional pace is a valuable asset for any Serie A side, and he offers tactical flexibility, capable of playing alongside or instead of David. Juventus`s squad now appears to be gelling well, featuring more players in their mid-twenties than is typical for the club, and reportedly on more sensible wage structures.
The Losers
Marc Guehi
Unlike some high-profile strikers, Marc Guehi avoided any disputes or refusal to train. His reward for this fair-minded approach? No move to Liverpool. The Reds pursued him until the final hours, offering $47 million for the highly-rated English center-back. They might have secured him if not for West Ham`s involvement, or perhaps an issue with Igor Julio`s medical. Regardless, it became clear that Crystal Palace could only secure one of the two center-backs they sought to replace Guehi and reinforce Oliver Glasner`s defense for the Conference League.
This failed transfer could prove to be more significant in the long run than many completed deals. Time will tell, but future players may recall Guehi`s experience: how his professional conduct, even after scoring what he believed was his farewell goal for Crystal Palace, ultimately left him unrewarded. The transfer window, it seems, doesn`t always favor those who `do the right thing`.
James Trafford
Initially, one of the most heartwarming narratives of the transfer window was James Trafford`s return to his boyhood club, Manchester City, after starring in Burnley`s promotion campaign – a career progression that rarely occurs with such swiftness. Trafford seemed destined to be City`s long-term goalkeeper, an elite shot-stopper capable of flourishing under Pep Guardiola. This potential still exists; at just 22, Trafford has ample time to develop into a truly special talent, making his early-season struggles against Tottenham seem like a minor blip.
The challenge, however, is the arrival of another high-caliber goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who now ranks above him. At 26, Donnarumma is not an `old` keeper, despite boasting nearly 500 senior appearances. He joins City for a significant fee and with a stellar reputation to validate his high wages, having been arguably the best goalkeeper in the Champions League last season. This acquisition somewhat overshadows Trafford, previously the Championship`s top goalkeeper, who must now contend with a number two role in a World Cup year.
Erik ten Hag
Imagine taking charge of the recently dethroned German champions, aiming to `continue the ambition shown in recent years,` only to discover your inherited squad being dismantled. While some departures were anticipated – Florian Wirtz or Jeremie Frimpong were unlikely to stay after Xabi Alonso`s exit – other players you publicly insisted on retaining were sold, with management deeming Granit Xhaka`s sale a `win-win-win.` Your initial three games yielded one win, one draw, and one defeat – hardly a disastrous start, right?
For Erik ten Hag, however, this proved to be a career-defining moment, at least at the elite level. Bayer Leverkusen`s decision to sack him on deadline day was swift and decisive. There wasn`t a specific, overwhelming reason for his dismissal; rather, as sporting director Simon Rolfes stated, `everything was heading in the wrong direction.`
Ten Hag`s subsequent statement conveyed profound anger. `A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set standards, shape the squad, and imprint their style of play,` he asserted. `I approached this role with absolute conviction and energy, but regrettably, management was unwilling to afford me the necessary time and trust, which I deeply regret. I believe this relationship was never founded on mutual trust.`
It`s understandable why the Dutchman felt so aggrieved. Rolfes and CEO Fernando Carro had appointed Ten Hag after failing to secure Cesc Fabregas from Como, and surprisingly, they didn`t have a replacement manager lined up. Their decision simply stemmed from a desire to no longer employ Ten Hag. A truly painful departure.
Winners (of a Different Kind)
The Transfer Content Industrial Complex
Despite the usual over-the-top theatrics surrounding transfer deadline day, it`s been some time since the final hours genuinely felt impactful. Established teams often conclude their business early, and there`s only so much excitement to be generated from Chelsea trimming its squad or West Ham`s latest `panic buy.` However, this past Monday was a refreshing change – genuinely entertaining.
This deadline day saw long-running sagas reach dramatic, satisfying conclusions, exemplified by the Donnarumma and Isak transfers. Deals like Randal Kolo Muani`s move to Tottenham provide ample food for thought, the kind of analytically rich discussions that will sustain us through the upcoming international break.
Furthermore, there were genuine twists and turns. Nicolas Jackson debated whether to board a flight, reminiscent of a scene from `Friends`. Guehi was keen on Liverpool, and the Reds even had him undergo a medical and finalized terms, only for Oliver Glasner to refuse to let go of his club captain. This was truly compelling drama.
